Durham were knocked off the top of the Northern League when Shildon won 3-1 at the Archibald Stadium last night.

Shildon took the lead after 11 minutes when Adam Smith headed in a left-wing cross from Scott Emerson, but Durham equalised after 23 minutes when Shildon keeper John Jackson lost the ball inside his own penalty area and Michael Mackay set up Paul Chow for an easy chance.

But Shildon responded immediately and Smith set up Steve Huggins to score from 12 yards out.

Shildon went 3-1 up after 67 minutes when Emerson was left unmarked to score from Kurt Warburton corner and Durham scored a consolation goal in stoppage time when Shildon defender Graham Liddle turned a cross from Craig Rand into his own net.

Newcastle Benfield Saints replaced Durham at the top of the table when they beat Chester-le-Street 4-1.

Billingham Town won 3-1 at Thornaby, while Whitley Bay moved into fourth place with a 2-1 win at Horden. Horden defender Alan Martin put through his own goal to give Whitley the lead after 51 minutes then Adam Johnston got the second with a low shot. Kevin Devine pulled one back for Horden with 11 minutes left.