Stokesley SC gave notice that the race for the championship is not over yet when they hit Washington Nissan UK for six on Saturday.

The Wearsiders went into the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten record but could not cope with rampant Stokesley who closed the gap on Darlington RA, who were without a game, to eight points.

There was no stopping the home side as Craig Johnson rifled a hat-trick and other goals flowed from Anthony Sivills, James Alsop and Thomas Hololob.

Kyle Sumner claimed a consolation for Nissan.

Birtley Town are also looking dangerous and they made it seven wins on the trot defeating Whitehaven 5-1.

The result was effectively settled by half time at which stage the home side led with strikes by Tony Thirkell (2) and Neil Blue.

Although Gareth Holmes reduced Whitehaven's deficit they rarely threatened and Birtley completed an easy win with two goals in the last ten minutes from Anthony College and Wayne Booth.

At the bottom, Ferryhill Athletic threw themselves a lifeline in their bid to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon when they defeated New Marske 3-1.

A long throw by Paul Robson was touched into the net by the Seasiders' goalkeeper and before the interval Christopher Kane and Stuart Cottam also struck.

James Kesterton pulled a goal back for New Marske with 15 minutes remaining.

After twice leading by a couple of goals, Annfield Plain just edged Cleator Moor Celtic with an 89th-minute winner from Kris Soulsby who completed his hat-trick.

Mark Younger was the home side's other marksman with Darren Mahone (2) and Craig Padley on target for the visitors.

Harton and Westoe also won by a 4-3 margin at Shotton Comrades who led through Lee Buck and Ian Watson. Jonathan Mullen netted twice within ten minutes and four minutes later Adam Carr was also on the mark for Harton.

Although Michael Pittam scored at the other end, Gary Stephenson completed a good day for Harton.

After Olan Richards had given Cleadon SC a 20th-minute advantage, visitors Ryhope CW claimed a point with an equaliser on 70 minutes.

Gateshead Reserves gained their first win in 20 attempts winning 3-1 on a mud-bath at Windscale.

Jarrow were the biggest scorers of the day when they put eight goals past Sport Catterick in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup.

Seven players scored as the goals flowed from Andy Ord (2), Gary Atwell, Dean Patton, Andrew Barclay, Mark Leask, John Grant and Craig Hood. Karl McMann (pen) was the only Catterick player to find the net.

Gary Turton and Wayne Gredziak eased Coxhoe Athletic into the semi finals with a 2-1 victory at home to Boldon CA.

* Darlington RA's Sunderland Shipowners' Cup-tie, which was scheduled to be played at Sport Catterick tomorrow, will now take place at Brinkburn Road on Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm.