Birtley Town, comfortable winners over Willington at Hall Lane, are now equal on points with second-top Whitehaven and just two points adrift of leaders Cleadon SC.

Their championship hopes were boosted as they racked up their 14th win of the season. Stephen Rochester was left with a simple tap-in on 29 minutes and although Willington battled on a heavy playing surface, it was the visitors who turned chances into account.

Tony Thirkell scored a second decisive goal in the 72nd minute and there was no way back for the home team when he was again on target just before the end.

Cleadon SC were well beaten in their top-of-the-table clash with Whitehaven at Jack Clark Park.

Following a goalless first period, the Cumbrians took command and the goals flowed from Johnny Wright (2), Stephen Hewitt and Mick Farrer.

In the last minute, Stephen Fyall claimed a consolation for Cleadon whose 4-1 defeat means that their lead is now vulnerable.

Gateshead Low Fell maintained their climb away from the bottom with a 3-2 victory over Ryhope CW on Wearside.

Thomas Bell was on target for the home team after just five minutes before penalties by John Sherlock and Kesandu Okike swung the initiative to Gateshead.

An own goal from Thomas Hunt made it 3-1 and although Paul Diamond reduced the deficit, his 85th-minute strike came too late to save the game for Ryhope.

Harton and Westoe were in Cumbria for the second successive Saturday and again returned a beaten side.

This time, they suffered a 5-0 reverse at Windscale who maintained their challenge for the title.

All the goals were scored during the second half by Joe Shepherd, with a brace, Lee Dixon, Stephen Hodgson and Graeme Peers.

Annfield Plain appeared to be on their way into the third round of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup when they led Cleator Moor Celtic 2-0 with just five minutes remaining after Kelvin Armstrong and Kris Soulsby found the target, but in a frenetic last few minutes, Cleator Moor equalised and went on to win 5-2 following extra-time.

Their marksmen were Zak Rudd, who rifled four goals and Gareth Evans.

The league fixtures at Boldon CA, Jarrow, New Marske and Teesside Athletic were postponed because of waterlogged pitches.