North Shields have just about wrapped up the championship following victory over Harton and Westoe and Darlington RA's defeat at Birtley Town. In what is now a two-horse race, the Robins lead their rivals by 12 points although RA have four games in hand.

North Shields were pressed until the very last minute before they defeated Harton and Westoe by an only goal scored by Anthony Lowther, who headed in a free kick, much to the joy of home supporters.

RA, meanwhile, saw their title hopes recede when they lost 4-0 at Birtley Town for whom Paul Wilson (2), Anthony Lynch and Keith Foster were the scorers.

"We have a much better goals difference than Darlington so even if they beat us in one of the two matches we still have to play we will still win the league and that's assuming RA win their other four games," said Robins' secretary David Thompson.

Although North Shields insist that it is not yet over, they admit to having a mini celebration on Wednesday night following their win over Harton and Westoe.

Birtley Town, who have already won the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, meet Jarrow on Monday (kick-off 11 am) in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup. Next Friday they play at Wolviston against Stokesley SC in the final of the Wearside League Cup.

They have experienced mixed fortunes in the last week celebrating their victory over Darlington RA before crashing 6-0 at Redcar Town on Wednesday night.

Darren Mowbray, with a brace, Paul Dodkins, David Tait, Paul Jones and Conrad McCormack were all on the mark for Redcar who stay in third position.

With just one game to play, Ferryhill Athletic are in danger of becoming the wooden spoonists. They play at Boldon CA tomorrow (kick-off 11 am) knowing that they need nothing short of a victory to lift them above Whitehaven and Stanley United.