Wearside League: Although Stokesley SC defeated Cleator Moor Celtic, their chances of clinching the championship receded as leaders Whitehaven enjoyed a ten-goal romp.

The sides both have three games to play but Whitehaven enjoy a four-points lead and a significantly better goals difference.

Stokesley, the only team in with a chance of overhauling Whitehaven, were in Cumbria where they defeated ten-man Cleator Moor Celtic 3-1.

The home side's goalkeeper was sent off in the first period and the visitors took advantage, building up a two-goal interval lead through Stephen Pennock and Richie Hore. Although Celtic hit back, Pennock scored again to maintain his team's title hopes.

Whitehaven were unstoppable at Harton and Westoe where they enjoyed their biggest win of the season. The goals flowed from Jonathan Wright (4), Craig Robson (2), Robert Fowler, Malcolm Holliday, Stephen Hewitt and Ronnie Thompson (og).

Cleadon SC, who had a free day, are third and Birtley Town fourth following a 1-1 draw with Coxhoe Athletic. Tony Thirkell gave the home team a 25th-minute lead but within three minutes Paul Broom equalised and the point was sufficient to lift Coxhoe into fourth-from-bottom position.

Nissan SSC Sunderland are wooden spoonists after they lost 2-1 at Teesside Athletic. Gary Young produced a clinical finish on 38 minutes and just before the break he pounced for his second.

James Farrell scored with a good effort for Nissan ten minutes into the second period but despite their efforts, the Wearsiders were unable to find an equaliser.

Tony Quinn, Kris Soulsby, Barry Lindoe and Alan Coxon led Annfield Plain to a 4-1 success at home to New Marske whose only scorer was Nick Ward, while Boldon CA saw off Wolviston who are now third from the basement, equal on points with second-from-bottom Gateshead Low Fell.

Lee Buglass struck for Boldon in the first half and during the second 45 minutes Wolviston conceded further goals to David Stephenson and Mark Brown.

Despite Paul Tunstall giving Willington a fifth-minute lead, they went down 3-1 at Windscale. James O'Donnell restored parity and James Reid added a second goal for Windscale who cemented victory when Darren Donald netted with the last kick of the game.