Darlington RA strengthened their position at the top of the table when they defeated Windscale and Stokesley SC suffered a shock defeat at Whitehaven.

RA's challenge for the championship shows no signs of weakening, however, and James Chapman gave them the lead on the half hour. Nigel Bolton converted a penalty five minutes into the second period, leaving Windscale with an uphill battle.

They rarely troubled the home defence and Dave Woodcock's side celebrated their 19th victory in 24 outings as Marc Radmore made the final score 3-0.

Whitehaven produced one of the surprise results of the season when they inflicted only a third defeat of the campaign on Stokesley SC.

The home side could hardly have wished for a better start as Craig Robson scored twice inside the opening 25 minutes. Gareth Alsop reduced the deficit seven minutes into the second period but when Gareth Holmes made it 3-1, there was little time for Stokesley to mount a comeback.

RA are now nine points ahead although Stokesley have a game in hand while Coxhoe Athletic remain third after coming from behind to defeat Cleadon SC at Jack Clark Park.

Once again, Cleadon scored first but failed to hold the lead. Alan Richards struck on 20 minutes and after Wayne Peachey levelled a minute before the interval, he scored Coxhoe's winner with five minutes remaining.

Birtley Town extended their winning sequence, winning 3-1 at Ryhope CW who played the last half hour with ten men following the dismissal of Anthony Shields.

Michael Thirkell put Birtley in front on 25 minutes and after Stephen Rochester equalised, Paul Bryson converted a spot-kick. Birtley then made their numerical advantage count and wrapped up the points with a late goal from Neil Blue.

Ferryhill Athletic remain bottom of the table after going down 6-0 to visitors Cleator Moor Celtic for whom Philip Thompson (2), Zak Rudd, Gary McMahon, Glen Graham and Gary George found the net.

Washington Nissan UK are third from the basement and they extended their unbeaten run to five games when they came from behind at home to Annfield Plain.

Kris Soulsby and Gary Quinn had the Plain two up by the 28th minute but battling Nissan reduced the deficit through Anthony Bland on 50 minutes and Neil Palmer equalised 15 minutes from time.

Jarrow had to withstand late pressure from New Marske before winning 2-1. John Grant scored immediately before and after half time but Ben Walker threw the Seasiders a lifeline when he reduced the deficit on 80 minutes.

Jarrow goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael made two outstanding first-half saves but was injured and substituted by Phil Dolphin in the 70th minute. After being in goal for just eight minutes, Dolphin excelled with a magnificent stop from James Kesterton.

Michael Meek and Andrew Whalley had Boldon CA two up by the 60th minute and although Shotton Comrades hit back ten minutes from time they were unable to find an equaliser.