Wearside League: They celebrated at Brinkburn Road on Saturday night when the victorious team returned from the Nissan Sports Centre in Sunderland where an emphatic victory not only earned Darlington RA the championship but promotion to the Albany Northern League.

In effect, RA were promoted within the first 24 minutes since it would have taken a miracle for second-bottom Nissan to deny them the points.

Neil Jackson gave Dave Woodcock's side a fifth-minute lead and when Warren Byrne bagged a brace and Martin Brown also struck, the trophy was on its way to Darlington.

Before the break Mark Weldon made it five and although Thomas Donkin reduced the deficit it was only temporary respite for the Wearsiders who conceded a sixth goal to Brown.

"The lads have worked extremely hard but the effort has been worthwhile. Now we will start work on preparing for next season. Playing in the ANL will be a whole new ball-game," said manager Dave Woodcock.

Despite missing out on the championship, Coxhoe Athletic must be delighted with their first season in the competition.

After hitting Gateshead Reserves 12-1 they will end runners-up if they win their remaining three matches.

There was simply no stopping Gary Forrest's side and the goals flowed from Wayne Gredziak (5), Andrew Richardson, Gavin Barton, Stephen Carruthers, David Hutchinson, Neil Charlton and two own goals. Tony Clark claimed a consolation for the Tynesiders.

Stokesley SC too failed to halt Darlington RA's march towards the title but they have won the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and could end third. They enhanced their chances with a lone goal win at Harton and Westoe.

Ferryhill Athletic completed their programme and are wooden-spoonists. Despite Mark Brischuk scoring first, they lost 3-1 to Whitehaven for whom Craig Robson, Graham Lilley and John George struck.

New Marske held Birtley Town to a draw. Stuart Niven gave the visitors the lead before David Brown levelled.

Cleator Moor Celtic and Cleadon SC also shared the spoils. Peter Brand and Derek Newton were on target for the visitors but Gareth Evans and Darren Mahon (penalty) netted at the other end.

Boldon CA went down 3-0 at Windscale for whom Howard Kirkbride (penalty), Darren Donald and James Reid found the net.

Chris Liddle was the only scorer leading Jarrow to victory at Ryhope CW and after David Dowd have given Annfield Plain the advantage, Kris Soulsby restored parity for Wolviston.