Lumley considerably enhanced their prospects of clinching the championship when they defeated nearest rivals Jarrow St Bedes 6-2. The visitors, though, twice led in the first period before Lumley went in 3-2 in front.

After the break Lumley enjoyed more of the play and made their superiority count, scoring on three occasions. Simon Dolman, Craig McManus and John Lidster all scored a brace of goals.

Lumley now lead Jarrow St Bedes by 12 points with their rivals having played two fewer fixtures.

Despite being no fewer than 20 points adrift of Lumley, Herrington are still in contention since they have six games in hand. They were hard pressed in defeating bottom of the table Washington Dunlop by an only goal scored during the second period by Glen Irvine.

Sacriston moved off the basement when they recorded only their second victory of the season defeating Lambton Street 3-1. Ashley Bridge found the target in the first half and during the second 45 minutes Sacriston wrapped up the points with further strikes by Graham Embleton and Greg Coates.

Hebburn crashed to a 9-2 defeat when they entertained Ryhope. Paul Fenwick (3), Jake Scott (2), Anthony Armstrong, Mark Lawson, Richard Hill and Shaun Petch all found the net for Ryhope, while Hebburn's consolation goals came from Raymond Hardy and Robin Welsh.