Ferryhill Athletic, who have been at the bottom of the table for most of the season, are now within sight of Washington Nissan UK after winning the only game to be played in the league on Saturday.

It was a close call though but an only goal 17 minutes from time earned them three crucial points against fourth-from-basement Annfield Plain.

Neither side gave much away in a closely-contested first period when chances were few and far between. Ferryhill began to dominate in the early stages of the second half and broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when the visitors' defence failed to clear a free kick by Andrew Dixon and Andrew Patterson fired past Paul Hedley from close range.

Thereafter, the Plain threw men forward in an attempt to get back into the game and only a couple of excellent saves by Ferryhill keeper Stuart Williams kept them at bay.

The game was more openly contested in the later stages and Ferryhill also had opportunities to build on their lead. Lee Robinson, who replaced Ryan Stonehouse on the hour, failed to get past the last defender as did Stewart Cottam.

Another sub Ian Fowler replaced Stuart Illingworth and he too was one-on-one with Hedley but it was the Plain keeper who came out on top.

Stokesley SC quickly recovered from losing their previous game to reach the semi finals of the North Riding County Cup with a 2-0 victory at home to Grangetown Boys Club.

They twice hit the woodwork before Tony Sivills tucked away a shot from 12 yards following good work from Jonathan Newton and Craig Johnson in the 43rd minute.

Grangetown were stronger in the second period but their hopes were dashed after 65 minutes when Newton hit a second goal for Stokesley. It was nip and tuck during the last 25 minutes but Stokesley held on for victory.

New Marske were scheduled to play Beads in another quarter final tie which was called off just before the start.