The improved form shown by Ferryhill Athletic in recent weeks came to an abrupt end at Hill Top on Saturday when they crashed to an 8-0 defeat at the hands of Stanley United in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

Recently, the sides shared a 2-2 draw but on this occasion Stanley were much the better side and once they went ahead, the outcome was never in doubt.

Aaron Scott, Shaun Mansfield and John Holmes all scored twice with Shaun Gregory and Paul Freeman completing the scoring. Scott was unlucky not to celebrate a hat-trick as he struck the woodwork on three occasions.

Stokesley SC were also in top scoring form in their tie at Ryhope CW, who conceded seven goals before they grabbed a last minute consolation through Richard Nell.

Ryhope's cause was not helped when they had a player sent off with Stokesley three goals to the good but by then the game was probably beyond them in any case.

John Newton and Richard Hore both bagged a brace and other goals came from Michael Wilson, Craig Johnson and Greg Robson.

Darlington RA were put to the test by Boldon CA at Brinkburn Road before winning in extra time.

It appeared that Stephen Walker's strike would be sufficient but Boldon levelled in the last minute of normal time through Paul Oley.

RA proved the stronger and goals from Martin Brown and Paul Freary in the first period of additional time enabled them to secure a 3-1 victory.

Harton and Westoe eased to a 2-0 success in their home game with Annfield Plain. A powerful header from Carl Short broke the deadlock on the hour and Michael Meek made the tie safe when he turned in the box and fired past the visitors goalkeeper.

Cleadon SC also won 2-0. It was nip and tuck all the way against Whitehaven and it was not until the 60th minute that Adam Peacock rose above defenders to head in a corner kick.

The Cumbrians pushed forward in search on an equaliser and Cleadon clinched their place in the next round with a second goal from Peacock, again from a flag kick. He has now scored five times in his last two games.

The ties between Barnard Castle Glaxo and Jarrow, Redcar Town v Birtley Town and Wolviston v New Marske were postponed because grounds were waterlogged.

One game was played in the league and North Shields missed the chance to go fourth when they could only draw at Windscale.

Goalkeeper Simon Bradford saved the Robins with a great stop from Joe Shepherd before Paul Ross pounced to give North Shields the lead on 20 minutes. Within 12 minute, however, Windscale were level as the unmarked Kevin Laws headed past Bradford.