In the premier league Ferryhill Greyhound drew 0-0 at home against Penshaw, the blustery winds preventing both sides from playing cultured football.

Maay Pearson had an excellent game and work tirelessly both in defence and attack.

Norton-Stockton turned in a fantastic performance to win 2-1 away to Usworth in a relegation struggle. Trailing 1-0 at the interval to a penalty, they stormed back after the restart and drew level when Mark Steel scored. They gained ascendancy and took the lead when Wayne Larsen netted.

Darlington Croft lost 7-0 away to Holywell Fat Ox. Croft started slowly, being unable to adapt to the gale force conditions. Kicking against the wind they went 1-0 down then went further behind when Rob Kitching headed home. Further goals from Haire and Saunders put Fat Ox 4-0 up in under 20 minutes and to make matters worse Stephenson scored to make it 5-0 on half-time. The restart saw Croft come back into the game, but despite having much more of the game, they were caught out at the back through breakaways. Croft are much better than the score suggests.

In division one Consett stay top although only a drawing 0-0 at home to Sedgefield in a match in which both teams wasted scoring chances.

Barnard Castle Glaxo drew 0-0 away to Hartlepool Catholic Club. Pool are third bottom and were fighting to avoid relegation only one team will be relegated as the Masons Arms and Wallsend RAOB resigned later in the season and both attacked and defended strongly. Chances were missed by both sides so a draw was a fair results. Stars were Pool keeper Mick Henderson, Mark Ritchie and David Boagey and for Castle Mookie Proud and Derek Simikin.

Newton Aycliffe lost 5-0 away to Touchdown. Trailing 3-0 at half-time, they never looked like saving the game and two further goals settled the issue 5-0. Star of the game was Tony Corbett who was simply outstanding and scored all five goals.

In division two Langley Park Rams Head turned in this season's best performance by toppling leaders Red House 5-2 at home. It was a splendid comeback as Rams had begun disastrously and had gone 0-2 down in the opening stages. However, they rallied and Gary Collins scored shortly before half-time to make it 1-2. The restart saw the Rams on the attack and Gary Collins scored again to level 2-2. Vince Chapman shot them into the lead, Paul Pritchard made it 4-2 and Chapman scored his second from a spot kick after Kevin Chapman was fouled in the box to make it 5-2 and gave the Rams a well-deserved victory. Kevin Williams had an outstanding game in midfield.

Billingham Town regained their early season form to defeat Wingate 7-0 away from home in their fight against relegation. They led 3-0 at the interval and after the restart they kept up pressure to score four more goals to win 7-0. Marksmen were Paul Williams with a hat-trick, Tony Screen (2) and Cooper and Jimmy Speight one apiece.

Wynyard Vets lost 3-1 away to leaders Gateshead Greencroft and are now fifth but still have a good chance of promotion as they have games in hand of the teams above them. The first half was even, Derek Mercer gave Gateshead an early lead, but Vets levelled on the break. The restart saw Gateshead slowly gaining control and McDonald shot them into the lead and the issue was settled when Mercer put away a penalty kick awarded after he had been fouled in the box.

Darlington Railway stay in bottom place as they lost 2-1 away to Barnes Hotel.

In division three West Cornforth lost 2-1 away to Hedworthfield in a game of two halves. Consett led 109 at the interval but two goals from Joe Carr and Alf Reece after the restart saw the home side win the match.

Crook Town continued to move up the league when they won 3-1 away to Durhan C Stollers.

In division four Thornley Celtic are now clear leaders after winning 2-1 away to close rivals Steels FC. They led 1-0 at half-time, but Joe Dagg levelled for Steels shortly after the restart. It was end to end football with Steels having a slight edge. Thornley's defence, however, held firm and in the closing period broke away and scored to win the match 2-1.