Bishop Auckland's agony in the UniBond First Division continued when they were beaten 4-2 at Stocksbridge on Saturday.

There was hope for them when they led 1-0 and then fought back to 2-2, but poor defending let them down. Manager Brian Healy, who has yet to taste victory, said: "We conceded the last two goals when we had possession of the ball near the Stocksbridge penalty area.

"We are very naive, and the mistakes we make would cost goals at any level.

"When we got back to 2-2, I thought we were going to get at least a draw."

Bishops got off to a great start when Damon Robson and Robbie Clarkson combined for debutant Steve Winspear to fire home, but Steve Haws levelled for Stocksbridge after a clearance rebounded off him into the net.

Paul Crager then conceded a penalty that Stefan Zoll converted, but Bishops levelled on 61 minutes when another debutant,

Darlington youngster Simon O'Shea, fired into the top corner. But Scott Bates and Zoll scored in the last ten minutes to leave Bishops seven points adrift of safety at the bottom.

In the first division, Blyth lost 1-0 at home to Lincoln United, while Whitby keeper David Campbell saved a second half penalty to earn his side a 0-0 draw at Witton Albion.

Gateshead lost 4-2 at home to Runcorn, who despite having a man sent off, led 3-0 at half time. Niall Flynn and Liam Radford scored for Gateshead in the second half, but Colin Flood made the game safe.