Following the midweek programme, New Marske are level on points with North Shields but the Robins lead the table with a superior goals difference.

They took their goals for total to 21 in six games defeating Boldon CA 4-2 at Ralph Gardner Park. Stephen Hamil maintained his good form following his move from Stanley United and scored twice with David Little (penalty) and leading scorer Eddie Miller also on target. Paul Jary and Lee Seff replied for Boldon.

All the goals came in an incredible first half when New Marske finished 5-3 in front of Ferryhill Athletic. At one stage, the home side were 5-1 ahead through James Kesterston (2), Billy Millington (2) and Adam Taylor.

Stuart Cotton added a second goal for Ferryhill who then made it 5-3 when Mark Brischuk also found the net.

Stokesley SC are third, just one point behind the leading pair. They romped to a 6-0 victory at Barnard Castle Glaxo with strikes from Nathan Haslam (2), Craig Johnson, Dean Talukder, Jonathan Newton and James Alsop.

Cleadon SC have also made a promising start to the season and they came from behind to secure their fourth win in six outings at Jarrow. Mark Rumbles gave the home side the lead on the stroke of half-time before Daniel Nixon, Mark Johnson and Peter Brand replied.

Newcomers Gateshead Reserves are the top goalscorers with 22 after winning 6-2 at home to Whitehaven. George Weatherley (2), Scott Blandford, Richard Kent, Simon Reay and Paul Gibbs all scoring.

Washington Nissan UK, the other side to join the League this season, are bottom of the table with just one point. They went down 2-0 at Windscale where an own goal and one from Mark Young earned the Cumbrians their second success.

Birtley Town led 2-0 but then had to withstand pressure from Annfield Plain, who equalised through Neil Madge and Aaron Scott. Kevin Murphy and Keith Foster were Birtley's early scorers and Anthony Lynch clinched the winner with 18 minutes remaining.

Wolviston were involved in an exciting match with Darlington RA, which they won 3-2. Andy Rose fired RA ahead in the 21st minute and Andy Steele levelled on the stroke of half-time.

When Rose was brought down, Mark Brookes converted the penalty and with RA on top they looked like taking all three points. But in a frenetic final few minutes, Wolviston scored twice. David Dowd crossed for Steele to head home and in injury time, Guy Whatmore was quick to pounce when his first effort was only partially saved by the RA goalkeeper.