FIRST DIVISION pacesetters Shildon Railway lost 3-0 at Witton Park today and their lead is down to three points over their opponents who have three games in hand. Dean Thexton turned on the edge of the box to fire Witton Park into a fifteenth minute lead. Sam Joyce hooked the ball home from six yards to make 2-0 and Thexton’s speculative effort from the corner of the eighteen yard box made it 3-0 on the half hour. Shildon improved after the break but Witton contained them for a vital win

The Darlington derby between Burns and DSRM ended all square. A brace from Jonathan Pearson saw DSRM hold a two goal cushion. Adrian Weston picked up a pair for Burns to make it 2-2 and they had a late "goal" disallowed for offside.

Heighington moved off the bottom with a 3-1 victory over Willington WMC. Dave Thorne, Gareth Marshall and Dexter Bogle were the marksmen for the winners.

Wear Valley keeper Craig Hannant saved two penalties during a goal less first half at Middlestone Moor Masons Arms. Lee Newby broke the deadlock for Masons in the 78th minute with Adam Watson and Jamie Abley making the final score 3-0.

West Auckland WMC moved a point clear in division two with a 4-1 win at Wolsingham. Martin Hutchinson opened the West account but Lee Tinkler equalised in the 40th minute. Second half goals from Anthony Bowes, Glen Hendrix and Josh Ridley completed the West Auckland quartet.

Bishop Hogans had to come from behind to beat Staindrop Castle Rangers 2-1. All the goals came in the first half with Liam Slater and Jamie Alderson cancelling out the Staindrop opener from Joe Saunders.

Aycliffe Turbinia lost ground in going down 4-1 at Evenwood Town. Andrew Campion notched a hat trick for Evenwood with Scott Duggan completing the tally. Daniel Dixon reduced the deficit for Turbinia whose keeper Chris Wilson saved a penalty.

Howden Australian's eleven game unbeaten run ended in a 5-1 defeat at home to much improved Darlington Hole in the Wall. Dan Wrigley (2), Grant Rankine, Paul Tweddle and John Shields (pen) scored for the Hole who led 2-0 at half time. Wayne Reed reduced the deficit from the spot.

Aydan Bowers bagged a hat trick for Crook Albion yet ended on the losing side at Wearhead United. Ryan Hardy (2), Paul Elliott and Tom Wilson earned the dales side a 4-3 win after they trailed 3-2 in the second half.

Crook Wanderers led 2-0 after just twenty minutes at Stanhope SSC with both goals coming from Darren Deuchars. Michael Oliver pulled one back and Charlie Sanderson made it 2-2 on the stroke of half time. John Storey put Stanhope ahead but Stephen Boughey forced the ball home from a corner ten minutes from time to earn Wanderers a share of the spoils.

Submitted by Masurice Galley