Arngrove Northern League: Durham City manager Andy Gowens isn't pressing the panic button after his side failed to score for the fifth successive game at home to Horden on Saturday.

City had to settle for their third successive goalless draw putting them 15 points adrift of the leaders, but Gowens is optimistic his side is heading in the right direction and, eventually the UniBond League.

"We're creating plenty of chances, but we can't put them away," he said. "I'd be much more worried if we weren't creating them.

"The players are snatching a little bit when they have the opportunities, but I think that once we score one goal, then we'll score a hatful.

"Defensively we're getting stronger, but we can't finish teams off."

It could have been so different for Durham if the woodwork hadn't denied Garry Barnes early on; while Horden went close through Kevin Devine.

Shildon weren't too happy with the referee of their game against Billingham Town, after he added eight minutes of stoppage time, during which Town scored an equaliser.

Shildon boss Gary Forrest said: "The ref told us that he added time on because we were time wasting in open play by taking the ball into the corners."

On a heavy pitch, Town's John McKie hit the post from a Steve Flockett pass in the first half, but Shildon took the lead when John Ryan squeezed the ball in from a tight angle.

Shildon were denied a victory deep into added time when a poor goal kick fell for Jamie Clarke who fired past Adam Collington.

Shildon have dropped a place to fifth bottom because of Morpeth's shock 1-0 away win at league leaders Bedlington. Morpeth fully deserved their win, taking the lead after 20 minutes from a penalty by new signing Craig Tate after Chris Rue was brought down.

Seven different players got their names on the scoresheet for Newcastle Blue Star, who are now top of the table after they thumped Sunderland Nissan 7-2. They opened the scoring through Anthony Woodhouse, and shortly after Steve Salvin made it 2-0.

David Southern then got his 14th league goal of the season before Gavin Cogdon pulled one back with a free-kick for Nissan. Former Darlington midfielder Michael Oliver made it 4-1 and with a few minutes scored a fifth.

Southern then created the openings for Ray Booth and Cooke to score further goals, while David Tait pulled a late goal back for Nissan, who have signed former Brandon striker Kevin Shoulder.

Billingham Synthonia have got a six point cushion in third after they beat bottom club Brandon 3-0. Micky Dunwell put them into the lead after 15 minutes. shortly after Dunwell got his second from a Neil Radigan free-kick. Craig Lake got the third just after half-time from 25 yards.

West Auckland dropped a place to sixth after they were easily beaten 3-0 at Newcastle Benfield. Stephen Young put Benfield into the lead, Shaun Bell scored the second before Young converted a penalty.

Ashington won their first home game of the season by beating West Allotment 3 -1.

Jarrow Roofing and Thornaby drew 1-1. Paul Chow put Roofing into the lead midway through the first half, but Thornaby piled on the pressure in reply and Neil Campbell deservedly levelled ten minutes from the end.

Second Division leaders Consett steamrollered their way to a 15th straight win at Peterlee, to put them 13 points clear at the top. Andy Bulford, signed from Prudhoe a fortnight ago, scored a hat-trick. Just after half-time Damien Maw volleyed the third from a right wing cross.

Bulford set up Gary Ormston to score the fourth, before sub Michael Mackay crossed for Bulford to complete his hat-trick.

Norton are now ninth after they beat South Shields 3-0 at Station Road. They took the lead after 25 minutes through Chris Fawcett and went further ahead just after half-time with a shot by Tyson Masters. Steve Pitman wrapped it up ten minutes from the end.

Whickham had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Penrith.

Seaham have now lost their last three matches after a 1-0 defeat at Prudhoe.

Hebburn had three players dismissed in their 2-0 defeat at home to Ryton, who are now fifth.

Stuart Patterson was sent off for a professional foul. In the second half Stephen Hymers went for violent conduct, whereas John Turnbull got two yellows.

North Shields won their fifth away game of the season by beating Kennek Ryhope CA 2-0