West Auckland climbed into second place in the STL Northern League by ending Dunston’s unbeaten record at the UTS Stadium in a 3-1 win.

Dunston took the lead after 5 minutes through an Andy Bulford penalty, but West levelled on 23 minutes when Michael Robson turned an Alex Francis cross into his own goal.

West went 2-1 up on 32 minutes when Stephen Brown’s shot was blocked, and Mattie Moffat followed up to score, and then Stuart Banks made it 3-1 from a Neil Pattison cross. Dunston manager Billy Irwin said: "West played very well in the first half, but we missed some good chances after half time."

West Auckland manager Peter Dixon said: "The game was won in the first half when we did the damage. It buried the memory of our 5-1 FA Cup exit ehich was my lowest time at West. "That's four points now that we've gained from a team that's extremely difficult to play against and that will be knocking on the door come April. "The boys knew how much it meant to the management, and it showed in their first half performance. The second period was just a case of holding on to what we already had."

Tow Law lost 2-1 at Penrith, even though they led with a goal by Marc Nixon. Penrith hit back with goals by Grant Davidson and Martin Colman. Tow Law manager Ian Davison said: "We should have won by five, but two terrible mistakes cost us. Players will be leaving the club, and two new players will be added for Saturday."

Newcastle Benfield won 2-0 at Jarrow Roofing with goals by Lewis Teesdale and an own goal by Jamie Marshall. Jarrow Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin said: "We had some good chances, but we gave a daft goal away."

Birtley beat Thornaby in the league cup, beating them 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Birtley keeper Phil Holgate was the hero, saving three penalties. Birtley manager Scott Oliver said: "The young lads are learning, I'm pleased we gave them some minutes." Thornaby manager Ray Morton said: "We should have won the game in normal time, but there were some very poor penalties by our players in the shootout.

The games at South Shields and Sunderland RCA were both postponed because of floodlight failure.

Evostik NPL First Division North Lancaster City 1 (Duggan) Durham City 2 (Marshall og, Dowson) STL Northern League Division One.

Dunston 1 (Bulford) West Auckland 3 (Robson og, Moffat, Banks), Jarrow Roofing 0 Newcastle Benfield 2 (Marshall og, Teesdale), Penrith 2 (Davidson, Colman) Tow Law 1 (Nixon), South Shields v Whitley Bay postponed, Sunderland RCA v Guisborough postponed. Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup Birtley 1 (Marron) Thornaby 1 (Clark) Birtley won 3-1 on penalties Cumberladn County Cup Gillford Park 2 (D Armstrong, Bell) Netherall 0

Cumberland County Cup Gillford Park 2 (D Armstrong, Bell) Netherall 0