NEWCASTLE Benfield Saints went joint top of the First Division table after beating Durham 2-1.
They had to come from behind after Durham took the lead through Paul Chow.
Anthony Errington levelled with a long-range free-kick, and then just before half time Saints went into the lead with another free kick, this time through Alu Bangura.
In the Second Division, second-placed West Allotment are unbeaten in their first five matches after they beat Kennek Ryhope CA 3-1.
Michael Chilton and Ian Swan put them 2-0 up, and even though Johnny Wightman pulled a goal back for Ryhope, Andrew Watson made sure.
Shildon have been fined £300 and Esh Winning £100 after being found guilty of misconduct by the Northern League. The fines arise from what the league decided were illegal approaches for Brandon players.
The league has deducted three points from Thornaby, Guisborough and Evenwood for fielding ineligible players on the first day of the season.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article