Sunderland RCA returned to the top of the STL Northern League on goal difference when they came from behind to win 2-1 at Bedlington last night, their 11th away win of the season in the league.

Bedlington took the lead with a strike by Anthony Shandran on 19 minutes, his 19th league goal of the season, but former Bedlington player Alex Benjamin levelled on the half hour with a shot from an acute angle after he picked up a long ball.

The RCA then grabbed the points with an effort by Joe Walton on 61 minutes. Sunderland RCA manager Neil Hixon said: "Bedlington were the better side for the first 20 minutes, but we gradually got into the game. We battered them in the second half. We have three home games on the bounce now, and we're aiming for as many points as possible."

Shildon lost 3-2 against Ashington at Dean Street. Damon Mullen put Ashington in front after 10 minutes, and they held on to the lead until Wayne Gredziak levelled on 48 minutes. Gareth Bainbridge and former Shildon player Paul Buzzeo then scored for Ashington to make it 3-1, with Craig Price pulling a goal back for Shildon on 80 minutes. Shildon manager Gary Forrest said: "I thought we dominated for 70 per cent of the game, but we gave away three gaols again. Every time Ashington put the ball into our box, they looked dangerous. We need to be scoring three goals to have a chance of winning matches."

Newcastle Benfield easily beat South Shields 4-0, but the game turned on a hotly disputed penalty just before half time, which saw defender Barrie Smith sent off. Michael Chilton scored from the spot, and in the second half, Carl Paterson, Paul Wilary and Paul Antony added further goals.

There were few chances in the goalless draw between Billingham Synthonia and Guisborough, the point being more useful for Guisborough in their battle against relegation.

A Michael Barnett goal nine minutes from the end of extra time gave Darlington RA a 2-1 victory over Horden in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

Meanwhile, title chasing West Auckland have signed striker Elliott Gardner from Newton Aycliffe.

STL Northern League Division One.

Bedlington 1 (Shandran) Sunderland RCA 2 (Benjamin, Walton), Billingham Synthonia 0 Guisborough 0, Consett v Jarrow Roofing postponed, Newcastle Benfield 4 (Chilton, Paterson, Wilary, Antony) South Shields 0, Shildon 2 (Gredziak, Price) Ashington 3 (Mullen, Bainbridge, Buzzeo).

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

Darlington RA 2 (Harrison, Barnett) Horden 1 (Ryder) after extra time.