OLD Shildon maintained their championship assault with a vital 2-1 win over rivals the Loves.

In a closely-fought game, Paul Shaw nudged Shildon in front when he stylishly volleyed home from a corner.

Loves equalised just before the break when a back-pass was caught up in the mud, which provided Damien Brennan with the simple task of rolling the ball in.

Both sides had chances at 1-1, including Thomas Louden's missed penalty when Loves 'keeper saved well, but it was James Hedley who eventually found the net again 15 minutes from time to secure a precious three points for Shildon.

"It was a vital win for us," said Shildon midfielder Martin Hedley. "Loves give us a really strong game and our goalkeeper kept us in it at 1-1, so we're pleased to have got the win. It keeps us in the title race and it gets another important league win out of the way."

Elsewhere in Division One, Eldon Lane beat the Grand 4-1 with goals by Michael Pattison (2), Ian McGowan and Craig Longstaff.

In Division Two, Brawns Den's bad run of luck continued when they were beaten 3-2 by Shildon Ath.

"The wheels have come off!" admitted Den boss Gerard Crooks. "It was actually quite a good game and fair play to Shildon, who probably deserved the win. But our season has gone off the rails a bit recently and we're looking for a result to turn it around."

Jamie Scaiffe (2) and Gary Maughan scored the for Shildon Athletic, while Dale Phillips notched both for Den.

Elsewhere, Horndale continued their fruitful form with a 2-0 win over Eldon Arms with goals by Scott Mason and Adrian Cox, while Postchaise also maintained their promotion campaign with a 4-2 win over North Briton. John-Paul Greaves (2) and Phil Dowd (2). Jazz Bradley and Brian Burniston scored for the Brit.

Meanwhile, Newton Aycliffe progressed to the semi-finals of the League Cup last week with a 6-2 win over Tudhoe United. Dave Muir (2), Russell Mercer (2), Mark Addy and an own goal were on the scoresheet for Aycliffe, with Christian Schofield scoring both Tudhoe goals.

In the second round of the competition, Masons United went through to the quarter-finals with a 5-4 win over Cumby Arms.

Centre-back Paul Simpson (2), Dave Maughan, Gavin Alderson and an own goal netted for United, while Steve Bell (2), Andrew Metcalfe and John Airey scored for Cumby.

Also in round two, Lakeside beat Salvins 3-2 with goals by Dave Welsh, Morgan Fielding and Wayne Marram. Paul Rutter and Arran Soulsby scored for Salvins.

Outstanding quarter-final ties: Thorns v Lakeside, Two Blues v Victoria, Old Shildon v Masons United.

Results round-up - Sunday, February 9: Division One: Eldon Lane 4, The Grand 1; Loves 1; Old Shildon 2.

Division Two: Horndale 2, Eldon Arms 0; Brawns Den 2, Shildon Athletic 3; North Briton 2, Postchaise 4.

League Cup R2: Lakeside 3, Salvins 2; Cumby Arms 4, Masons Utd 5.

League Cup QFs: N. Aycliffe 6, Tudhoe U 2.