Stokesley SC are just a point behind Boldon CA and have six games in hand on the leaders after comfortably defeating improving Ryhope CW.

Although the Wearsiders battled hard they were no match for the home side whose star man was unquestionably Craig Johnson. Once again, the striker was in scintillating form and a hat-trick was just reward for another outstanding performance. Ben Escritt was Stokesley's other marksman.

The match of the day between Darlington RA and Boldon CA at Brinkburn Road ended in a draw. Mark Williams opened for the visitors on 43 minutes but two goals in three minutes early in the second period swung the initiative towards RA.

Their hopes of making it 15 wins in 16 games looked like being fulfilled until they conceded a penalty with 15 minutes remaining. Craig Rolfe converted the spot kick and a draw was just sufficient to keep Boldon in pole position.

Wolviston are also in the championship frame and they went nap at bottom-of-the-table Ferryhill Athletic whose consolation goal was recorded by Jamil Albarq.

Andy Steele's speed was too much for the home defence and he hit a hat-trick with Guy Whatmore the scorer of Wolviston's two other goals.

North Shields were another side to score five times and Cleadon SC failed to respond. Eddie Miller and Paul Blakey each bagged a brace of goals and Paul Hogg added his name to the score sheet to help keep the Robins' title hopes alive.

Windscale were the third away team to score five goals with Barnard Castle Glaxo their victims. Dean Rogers (2), Howard Kirkbride, Kevin Law and Lee Dixon all struck with John Williams Glaxo's only marksman.

In contrast, just one goal by James Kesterson was sufficient for New Marske at Whitehaven and there was also a closely fought game at Hill Top where Jarrow were the winners.

They had the incentive of a second minute own goal from Darren Lamb but Stanley United levelled almost immediately through Aaron Scott. Just as it appeared that the game would finish as a draw, Mark Brewis popped in Jarrow's winner. After going 19 games without recording a victory, Jarrow have now won their last four.

Redcar Town called off their fixture against Annfield Plain late on Saturday morning but are hopeful of playing their home game with Cleadon SC on Wednesday night.

Birtley Town progressed into the semi finals of the League Cup defeating Harton and Westoe 2-1. Robert Cooper and Craig Peel gave them the cushion of a two-goal lead before Craig Stoker threw Harton a late lifeline but the visitors held on to maintain their hopes of completing a double.