West Auckland dropped valuable points in the ENL title race when they lost 2-1 at Sunderland RCA tonight, even though they were ahead at one stage.

The RCA went close on the half hour when Nathan O’Neill’s header was well saved by West keeper Mark Bell, but West took the lead on 42 minutes when Dan Parker scored with a diving header from an Adam Mitchell free kick.

The RCA levelled eight minutes after half time through a Luke Page header, but West had the chances to win the game after that, with Parker going the closest when he headed against the bar.

However, it was RCA who got the winner four minutes into stoppage time when Parker headed in from a corner.

Newton Aycliffe are still fifth from bottom after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Stockton Town.

There were plenty of chances in the game, with both sides hitting the woodwork until the 75th minute when former Aycliffe player Jamie Owens fired the winner.

In the Ernest Armstrong Cup, Tow Law beat Jarrow 3-0. Lawyers went 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes through an own goal and new signing Rhys Harbottle. Nick Quinn pulled a goal back in the second half for Jarrow, but Dean Thexton made sure two minutes from the end.