Darlington RA won for the 11th time in 12 outings to move within two points of leaders Boldon CA.

After scoring six times in their previous game, Ryhope CW were expected to provide stiff opposition when they visited Brinkburn Road.

It took the home side just 20 minutes to break the deadlock as Stephen Walker struck and when Stephen Johnson headed home in the early stages of the second period, RA were on their way to clinching three crucial points. Stephen Roberts added a third in the later stages.

Boldon CA maintained pole position at Ferryhill Athletic who took the lead through Stuart Cotton. Lee Seff has proved an astute signing and he maintained his scoring form, levelling before the break.

He put Boldon in front on the hour and Gordon Williams completed the scoring.

Stokesley SC moved into third place with an emphatic victory at sixth-top Windscale. Inspired by Stephen Pennock's strike from outside the penalty area, Stokesley went into a two goal lead when Jonathan Newton skipped past a defender before shooting home.

Worse was to follow for the Cumbrians as Paul Aldridge headed in a corner and Nathan Haslam fired home from 18 yards.

North Shields' hopes of lifting the title received a setback when they were defeated by Stanley United who celebrated their first win in seven outings.

Aaron Scott bagged a brace and Brian Rees also netted before Alan Lamb headed into his own goal during injury time for the consolation goal.

Basement side Jarrow celebrated their first win at the 20th attempt. Previously, they had taken just two points but came from behind to win 2-1 at Cleadon SC.

After Andrew Quinn failed with a penalty, he later made amends by giving Cleadon the advantage before Dean Paton levelled on the stroke of half time. Jarrow had the better of the second half exchanges and clinched the winner through Andrew Bonner with 12 minutes remaining.

After falling behind Harton and Westoe gained a point with a Keith Mason equaliser against Whitehaven and Redcar Town and Annfield Plain also shared the points.

Billy Middleton and Gary Piper were on target for the Seasiders with Chris Hewitt and Paul Leighton replying for the Plain who ended with ten men.

New Marske played the second-half of their Monkwearmouth Charity Cup tie with Birtley Town with just nine players. They were down to 10 men after just 15 minutes and 10 minutes later, they faced mission impossible as a second player was red-carded.

Despite the numerical handicap, New Marske produced a good performance and it was not until late in the game that Michael Ford scored the only goal to put Birtley into the next round.