Leaders Darlington RA and second-top Stokesley SC will meet in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

The pair both faced difficult ties on Saturday but came through unscathed despite being put to the test by their opponents.

For an hour though it looked as if RA were coasting to victory at Birtley Town. James Chapman eased nerves with a goal on 20 minutes and when Michael Carter and Lee Jackson struck within ten minutes, Dave Woodcock's side looked home and dry.

But Birtley, who had won their ten previous games, set up a grandstand finale when Chris Trueman and Tony Thirkell penetrated the visitors' defence. RA had to withstand fierce pressure in the late stages but stood firm to secure their place in the final.

Stokesley SC needed extra time before winning 5-3 at Whitehaven. Carl McGrady was an early marksman for the Cumbrians and after Richard Mills levelled, Jonathan Wright again put the home side in front.

Anthony Sivills and James Alsop then swung the initiative in Stokesley's favour only for Barry Fowler to level at 3-3. In additional time, Matthew Homan bagged a brace to help his side into their second final.

Coxhoe Athletic continue to put pressure on the leading pair and they are just eight points adrift of Stokesley with three games in hand after defeating New Marske with an only goal from Andy Richardson.

Cleadon SC continue to enjoy their best season in years and now have their sights on finishing in the top four. Their latest success came at the expense of Cleator Moor Celtic who conceded goals to Mark Johnson and Peter Brand at Jack Clark Park.

There is no change at the bottom of the table. Despite leading with strikes from Jamie Martin and Tony Stafford, Ferryhill Athletic went down 5-2 to Shotton Comrades for whom Michael Bradley hit a hat-trick. Michael Pittam and Paul Griffiths added to the woes of the home side.

Washington Nissan UK have the same number of points as Ferryhill after losing at Windscale for whom Darren Donald hit the winner in the second half.

Gateshead Reserves remain third from the basement. They lost to Jarrow who led at the break through Gary Atwell. The visitors had chances to equalise but Andrew Barclay sealed victory for the home side with a late goal.

Michael Meek was the hero for Boldon CA scoring all three goals at Harton and Westoe who responded through Neil Archbold and Jason Jones while Stephen Rochester cancelled out Jamie Bowman's early effort as Ryhope CW and Sport Catterick drew.

Wolviston suffered a 2-1 defeat at Annfield Plain where the three goals were scored within the space of ten minutes.

After Philip Raisbeck had given the home side the advantage, Andrew Steele levelled only for Chris Soulsby to quickly respond at the other end.