Saints set about reducing the deficit at the top with two victories this week, but they had to battle harder than anticipated for all the points.

First they beat Frankland with a solitary goal scored direct from a free-kick by Keith Goldsmith all the more impressive because he has only scored twice in six seasons. Then Saints travelled to lowly Darlington and again had to scrap for the points winning by the odd goal in three. Saints are hoping for a further boost this week as they seek reinstatement of the three points deducted at a previous meeting.

With their games in hand, it could put them within two points of the leaders Tyne and Wear who moved a step closer to the title with a 4-2 victory at Derwentside. Kevin Simpson gave the visitors the lead but that was cancelled out by a solo effort from veteran Fred McAloan. Peter Hamill restored the Fire team's lead before the interval and were further denied by some tenacious defending. Into the second half, Phil Donnelly equalised from close range but the joy was short-lived as Gary Shales restored the Fire Brigade lead. John Cook eventually ensured all the points with the fourth goal.

All the other fixtures all turned out close affairs this week, with Sedgefield taking a surprise point at third-placed Newcastle. Hewitson and Morris got the goals for Newcastle.

Durham Fire returned to winning ways after three weeks without a win, beating close rivals Durham HQ by the odd goal in three. Dave Ibbotson gave the Firemen the lead, only for it to be cancelled out by Mick Button before half time. Steve Holcroft got the decisive goal midway through the second half that keeps the Fire team's hopes of second place alive.

Langbaurgh continue to retain second position thanks to a 2-1 win at Frankland. The hosts led for a long time through a Richie Huskinson goal but made crucial defensive errors to hand Langbaurgh two second half goals by Matt Lymer and Dave Cheeseborough.