League leaders West Auckland were knocked off the top of the first division on goal difference when they lost for the first time since August by 2-1 against Newton Aycliffe last night.

Aycliffe were well on top in the first half, and West keeper Mark Bell had to make two smart saves to keep his side in the game. But he had no chance on 29 minutes when Phil Gray crossed from the left, and Elliott Gardner laid the ball off for Paul Broom to blast into the roof of the net.

Aycliffe deservedly went 2-0 up after 64 minutes when former West player Dale Jardine broke away and fired diagonally across Bell.

West scored a late consolation with a penalty by Alex Francis. The result means that Dunston are now top on goal difference. West manager Peter Dixon said; "We got what we deserved -- nothing. We have no cpmplaints, the better team on the night won."

In the second division, Esh Winning beat Darlington RA 3-0. Craig Coates gave Esh a half time lead, with Chris Smith adding two more in the second half. Esh manager Andrew Soppitt said: "We played really well again. We dominated the 90 minutes and could have scored a lot more. We put our chances away and enjoyed the game."

Friday night results STL Division One.

West Auckland 1 (Francis) Newton Aycliffe 2 (Jardine, Broom).

Division Two.

Esh Winning 3 (Smith 2, Coates) Darlington RA 0.