It was the first round of the five Divisional Cups last Saturday and as usual there were a number of unexpected results too, but it was a Division Three game which surprised everyone.

Crook Town of whom so much was expected at the start of the season at long last displayed their true form by defeating second placed Hed-Deneside 4-2 at home. It was a very exciting game especially the first half. Crook took an early lead through Davy Neil but the visitors quickly levelled. Crook refused to be intimidated and came back strongly and Trevor Howarth scored to restore their lead. Hedworthfield came back again and soon equalised 2-2 but Crook were not to be denied and Davy Frame scored to make it 3-2 just on half time. The restart saw end to end football but with Crook having the edge their defence was rock solid and never looked in danger and their attacking football finally paid off when John Roberts netted to settle the issue 4-2 in Crook's favour.

Darlington Croft lost 3-2 at home to Blackhall in the Robson Pattison Cup. It was a game in which the result was always uncertain and could easily have ended in a penalty shoot-out so close was the game. Blackhall took the lead after 25 minutes when Dennis Atherton cleverly beat two players to lay on a perfect pass for Hughie Healey to go clear and score and give Blackhall a 1-0 interval lead. The restart saw the Croft on the attack and they forced a corner which saw Paul Power out-jump all to head home and level the score 1-1. Shortly afterwards Ian Raper shot home from close range to put the Croft 2-1 in the lead, it was now all Darlington but Blackhall's defence held firm to deny them and in a grandstand finish Stephen Routledge took advantage of slack marking to head home two corners and win the match 3-2 for Blackhall.

Not having lost a game since November 8, Norton & Stockton continued the good work by defeating Usworth 2-0 away from home. the first half was very even and ended goalless. After the restart Norton gained a slight edge and went into a 1-0 lead when Gerry Forrest found the net with a 25-yards pile-driver. Finally the issue was settled when Eric Barrett found the net on a goal-mouth melee. Stars for Norton were centre back Colin Steer and defender Gerry Kirton.

In the Alan Spedding, Sedgefield's lively attack constantly created problems for Wallsend Rising Sun, leading 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a John Barber goal. The restart saw the hosts getting well on top and further goals from Terry McGann,, Mel Chaytor and Brian Carruthers gave Sedgefield a comfortable 4-0 victory.

In the Ironside Cup Langley Park Rams Head were in fine form, they defeated Whitley Bay 3-1 at home. They took the lead when Gary Collins netted in a goal-mouth scramble only for the Bay to quickly draw level in a well-placed shot from just inside the box. Shortly before the interval Alan Forster regained the lead for the hosts when he scored from close in. The second half saw the Bay trying desperately for the equaliser but the Rams midfield ably managed by Ken Buxton dominated the game. Gary Collins scored his second of the match to make it 3-1 and the Rams were comfortably home.

The Willow Park greatly missed their secretary Tommy Howey who was absent due to illness as they lost 1-0 at home to Billingham Town.

Wynyard Vets turned in a good performance to defeat Hylton Castle 4-1 at home. Two-nil up at half time, they were always in command and although Hylton pulled one back two further goals gave them an easy 4-1 win. Their hero of the match was Ken Clark who scored a hat trick. Freddie Surplus scored one.

In the Echo Cup Durham City Strollers lost 4-1 away to Hartlepool RNC. Pools opened the scoring through the 'Twedd' but Martin Maggioe equalised for Durham. Ian Forster, Robbie Matthews and Mark Proudlock gave them a 4-1 win.

Architect of their victory was Derek Crowe who, like the elusive Pimpernell was here, there and everywhere, both in defence and in attack.

West Cornforth lost 3-1 away to Division three leaders Houghton Swifts. The Swifts always held the advantage and forced Cornforth on the defensive, they led 2-0 at the break through goals from Michael Forster and Michael Potter. The second half saw the Swifts go 3-0 when Forster scored his second of the game. Cornforth pulled one back late on but the game was already won.

In the Billy Lorraine Cup second placed Thorney Celtic lost 4-2 away to Hartlepool Warrior. The Warrior played exceptionally well and never looked like scoring. Paul Laffin shot them into the lead after ten minutes and Tony Ingledew added another to give them a 2-0 interval lead. A second half penalty by Nipper Huntley put them 3-0 up and finally David Waller made it 4-0 in the lead before Thornley pulled two back in the last quarter.

Wynyard OB lost 3-1 at home to Trimdon Vets.

In the Premier Ferryhill Greyhound had a fantastic 1-0 away win over Marsden. Stan Cummings gave them a 1-0 interval lead and they blotted out all Marsden's efforts after the restart to gain an equaliser. It was a solid team effort which gave them a well deserved victory, they stay second spot five points behind Steels.

In Division One Newton Aycliffe had no answer to Consett, who are clear league leaders and lost 4-1 at home to them.