Northallerton stopped Hebburn’s promotion drive in its tracks when they beat them 2-1 with a last minute winner at Ainderby Road.

Stephen Butterworth gave battling Northallerton the half time lead with a curling left foot shot from the edge of the box, but Liam McBryde levelled for Hebburn with his 30th league goal of the season.

Just as a draw seemed certain, up popped Gavin Parkin to grab the winner with a shot into the bottom corner from a James Bowman pass.

Northallerton manager Mark Fanning said: “Great win against a top side. First half we shaded it and they the second. After we conceded the equaliser we had to withstand heavy pressure and got the winner at the death.”

Darlington RA’s promotion hopes are almost over after they lost 2-0 at leaders Team Northumbria, who remain three points clear at the top.

Tom Davies headed TN in front after 30 minutes, then Dean Critchlow fired the second on the hour mark.

The RA only have three games remaining, and are five points off the promotion spots.

Darlington RA manager Nick Harrison said: “I’m just pleased that we got a side out today, and we don’t miss promotion by three points.”

Team Northumbria manager Paul Johnson said: “We’re really pleased that after two poor league results which came against the run of play we got back to what we deserve and 3 points. We controlled the game well and took our chances but what is also important we rested and prepared players for Monday night’s big Senior cup semi final against Benfield. “ Morpeth swopped places with Hebburn after they beat Whickham 1-0 at the Glebe, Ashley McAlpine scoring the goal.

Hebburn’s defeat has opened the door for Gillford Park, who have games in hand on the teams above them, to go fourth after beating North Shields 3-0, with Michael Reed (2) and Tyran Taylor.

Birtley’s challenge faltered when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Esh Winning by a last minute goal. Ben Johnson gave Birtley the lead after 21 minutes, but Craig Coates levelled for Esh late in the game, with Birtley claiming the goal was offside.

Birtley manager Scott Oliver said: “They had most of the possession but never threatened. There last minute gaol was offside, but that’s football.”

Esh Winning manager Andrew Soppitt said: “First half we played really well, were by far the better team but were a goal down. Second half we were very poor but a draw was fair in a poor end of season game.”

Third bottom Seaham Red Star won the basement game against Horden, beating them 2-1. Seaham, who parted company with manager Steve Cook last week, took the lead when Michael Turnbull fired in, then Kevin Gordon gave them some valuable breathing space. Darryl Evans pulled a goal back from a free kick for Horden, who are six points off the bottom.

Time is running out for bottom club Easington, who lost 2-0 at Chester-le-Street.

Luke Proctor gave Chester the lead after 19 minutes, and although Easington battled hard in the second half, Proctor raced away and scored the second late in the game.

Easington manager Paul Adamson said: “It was a deserved win for Chester as we ran out of steam towards the end. Lots of positives though as our three new signings all fitted in well.”

Chester-le-Street manager Anthony Smith said: “It was a pleasing performance. The game was a bit lethargic in the first half, with chances limited. In the second half we picked up the tempo and created several good chances and came out worthy winners.”

West Allotment comfortably beat Ryton 5-1. They never looked back after Sean Reid gave them the lead after just two minutes, then Liam McIvor scored the second from the spot on 32. Gary Day scored from a rebound on the hour, then Reid made it 4-0 with a free kick. Marc Eccles pulled a gaol back from the spot, only for Day to score the fifth with a 20 yarder, the 100th goal that Ryton have conceded in the league this season.

Ryton manager Dave Hagan said: “It was a shambolic display. We have no problem when we have the ball, it’s what we do when we haven’t got it.”

Washington nearly threw away a three goal lead against Brandon before they won 3-2. Ben Richardson and lee Hamilton scored within six minutes of each other in the first half, and just before the hour Hamilton scored a third. Mark Nichol scored twice in the last ten minutes for Brandon, In the other game, Alnwick beat Whitehaven 2-1.