Shotton have announced they intend to fold at the end of the season because of a lack of manpower and finance.

Shotton, who are currently bottom of the Second Division, were one of the founder members of the Second Division back in 1982 and have stayed in that division, apart from one season in the First four years ago.

Secretary Billy Banks denies the club is quitting because they are facing relegation - they are 11 points adrift of safety after their 2-2 draw at Northallerton on Saturday.

"We're quitting because we just don't have the people to help, and the finance to run the club.

"For example, I have to carry out loads of jobs to keep the club going, like fundraising, preparing the pitch, repairing the stand, organising match days, and it's all been coming to a head. I've had enough of being the chief cook and bottle washer.

"The relegation issue is not a problem. That doesn't come into the equation, because even if we were out of the relegation zone, we'd still be doing this.

"Ground improvements need to be carried out and that costs money, which means more fund raising has to be done. If we don't get people coming forward, then we'll fold."

If Shotton finish the season in the bottom two and fold, that would mean only one club would be relegated to the feeder leagues.

They showed there is still some life in them yet after coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Northallerton. Eddie Hebron and Darren Paul scored for Northallerton, with Richard Johnson and Michael Pitton replying.

However, Shotton are now 11 points from safety, with just four games left.

Dunston held their nerve at the top of the First Division with a 4-1 home win over Whitley Bay.

Dunston took the lead after just eight minutes, when Micky Farrey's shot was blocked and Danny Shore scored from the rebound.

They went further ahead soon after as Ben Thompson picked his spot from ten yards, but Whitley hit back when David McMahon scored from the spot after Lee Kerr was fouled.

Dunston eventually broke through again after 78 minutes when Stephen Pickering scored from a few yards, then Richie Putt wrapped up the points in the dying minutes.

Durham stay second, thanks to a Glen Robson hat-trick against Jarrow Roofing in their 4-1 win.

Robson got his first after 18 minutes when he scored with a left foot shot from the edge of the area, and that was quickly followed by a goal from Lee O'Donovan from ten yards.

Roofing tried to get back into the game, but they went 3-0 down when Stephen Stewart found Robson, who scored from just inside the box.

And Robson completed his hat trick in a scramble after 65 minutes. Roofing scored a consolation through Gavin Cogden.

Bedlington surprisingly dropped points in a goalless draw with bottom club Penrith. The bottom club had some good chances and were denied by Bedlington keeper Adam Clementson, while Roy Allen hit the crossbar for Bedlington late in the game.

Shildon have a chance of third place after they beat Tow Law 3-0 at Dean Street.

Shildon took an early lead when Garry Barnes flicked on a long clearance by keeper John Jackson for Lee Ellison to lob Tow Law keeper Craig Shields. Tow Law tried to hit back and were denied twice, but they were caught chasing the game in the closing minutes. Ellison set up Barnes to score his 29th league goal of the season, then Ellison provided the pass for Adam Reid to fire home.

Billingham Town could still finish third with their games in hand after they won 1-0 at Morpeth, the only goal coming from George Woodhouse, who scored from a Mark Scott pass. There were few other goalmouth incidents in the game.

Guisborough are now safe following a 1-0 win at Esh Winning, who are now seventh from bottom. Simon Kasonali scored the only goal of the game from a corner, while Guisborough had to play most of the second half with ten men after Stephen Ritchie was dismissed for a professional foul.

Third bottom Washington drew 2-2 at West Auckland, but a point isn't much good to them after they led 2-1 with just a few minutes left. They took the lead with a Scott Oliver header just after half time, but West levelled through a Gary Sivills shot from a pass by Andy Cole.

With ten minutes left, Washington regained the lead through Michael Graver, but Jonathan Milroy levelled with four minutes to go

Chester-le-Street are now ten points away from danger after their 1-0 home win over Billingham Synthonia. Gary Shields scored the only goal of the game early on, from a pass by David Turner.

Marske's brief revival was ended when they lost 3-0 at Peterlee. The home side took the lead after 43 minutes when Leon Scott found the net from 25 yards, and went 2-0 up from a Steve Cochrane penalty following a foul on Chris Emms. Sixteen-year-old Stephen Winspear got the third with his first touch of the ball near the end.

Ashington are promoted to the First Division after a two-year absence following their 4-1 home win over Seaham Red Star.

They cruised to victory with three goals in the first half hour. Seaham centre half Colin Wright put into his own goal after just two minutes, then Alan Hogg took his league goal tally for the season to 25 with a goal after 18 minutes. Jeff Pogson and Steve Sinclair added further goals, with Paul Taylor replying.

Benfield Saints could be runners up after they beat current second placed Consett 4-0 at Belle Vue. They took the lead Alu Bangura scored from an Adam Scope throw, then Craig Melrose added the second from another throw. Stephen Young scored the third after Scope hit the bar, and late in the game Shaun Beech got the fourth.

Benfield are eight points behind Consett, but with three games in hand.

Washington Nissan are still in the promotion frame after they won 2-1 at Evenwood. Jimmy Farrell and Neil Jackson scored their goals, with Ian Lowe responding for Evenwood.

Newcastle Blue Star still have a very slim chance of promotion after they beat Alnwick 2-1. Lee Ludlow scored both Star goals, with Ashley Mallaburn replying.

Norton took a big step towards safety after they beat second bottom Easington 1-0, thanks to a second half goal from 17-year-old Liam Aldridge.

Easington are six points behind Murton, who are now third bottom after they lost 3-0 at home to Hebburn, for whom Robert Marsden (2) and Gary Baxter scored.

Kennek Ryhope CA are up to seventh after their third away victory of the season, 2-0 at Prudhoe. Jonny Wightman scored both goals to take his league tally for the season to 23.

Crook are almost safe after their 2-1 home win over Whickham. David Snow headed them in front from a long throw, and even Tommy Scott equalised with a 30 yarder, 17-year-old Mark Ross grabbed the winner.

Willington are also away from trouble after two goals from Kevin Shoulder gave them a home win over South Shields, for whom Malcolm Reay replied.

The draw for the semi finals of the League Cup is: Durham City v Billingham Synthonia, Penrith v Dunston or Morpeth. Ties to be played on April 13.