In the premier, Norton & Stockton, who are fighting desperately to avoid relegation, lost 6-4 at home to league leaders Steels Social.

It was a game of two halves, the first belonging to the visitors and the second to the home side. Norton took the lead after four minutes when Mark Steel scored, but this early reverse stung Steels into attacking and they struck back mounting attack after attack and goals from Henderson (2), Carroll (2), Tate and Kennedy gave them a 6-1 interval lead. The restart saw Norton's comeback, first Keith Aldridge scored with a fine solo effort then Colin Heffron netted to make it 6-3. Steels tried hard to regain the initiative only to see Norton's keeper Kevin Beesley pull off a fantastic spot kick save to deny them. In the closing minutes Mark Steel scored his second of the game to make it 4-6. Form such as Norton displayed in the second half could stave off relegation.

Ferryhill Greyhound lost 1-0 away to Holywell Fat Ox in a very tight game, but still stay in second spot. They must put together a winning run if they want to be runners-up as there are three possible challengers, Marden, Killingworth and Fat Ox hoping to oust them.

In division one Consett are still clear leaders when they won 5-1 away to Sunderland Catholic Club. They always held the edge and led 2-0 at the interval. The restart saw Consett controlling the game and three more goals put them 5-0 up before Catholic Club pulled one back through Steve Hope. Scorers for Consett were man of the match Robert Ramshaw who notched a hat-trick, Billy Thompson and George Taylor who got one apiece.

Barnard Castle Glaxo sadly missed the guiding hand of their secretary Phil Dawe who was laid up with a bout of flu and lost 3-0 away to second placed Wardley Green who are still unbeaten. The first half was very close with the home side taking the lead close on half time when Tony Joyce scored. The restart saw Wardley Green still attacking and a fine solo run by Joyce ended with him beating the keeper and scoring his second goal to make 2-0. The match was virtually over when Joyce was fouled by the keeper and Peter Duggan slotted home the spot kick to put Green 3-0 up. Outstanding player for Wardley was centre back Ken Scott.

Hartlepool Catholic Club eased their relegation fears - (only one team is relegated this season as Masons Arms and Wallsend RAOB resigned - by defeating Newton Aycliffe 3-1 at home. The opening period was close but Pools seemed to have the edge and they took the lead after 20 minutes when Peter Reed put Mark Robson in the clear to go and round the keeper to score. No real chances were tested by either side and the first half ended 1-0 in Pools favour. After the restart Pools went 2-0 up when Kevin Gibbons' pass found Barry Waller who cleverly lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box. Five minutes from time Peaden scored with a screamer from 25 yards to put Aycliffe back in the game only for Pools to come straight back and score through David Boagie and end the game 3-1 up. Ian McAvoy and Paul Reid had excellent games.

In division two Darlington Railway won their first league game by defeating Wingate at home. They trail 1-0 at the interval but came really good after the restart and dominated the entire second half, three goals being scored by Michael Shields, Tiff McMaster and Paul Thompson. Darlington are still bottom being six points adrift but if this form can be maintained a good winning run can steer them to safety and with 12 games still to be played all is not yet lost.

Billingham Town are still in trouble after they lost 4-1 away to the league leaders Red House. The first half saw Billingham going strong and leading 1-0 at the break, but after the restart the heavy ground took its toll when they tired badly and allowed Red House to score four goals without reply. Archibald, Gilbey, Hazard and Stephenson were the scorers for Red House.

Wynyard Vets are now in fourth after drawing 2-2 away to Marsden Inn in a hard fought game. Fourth bottom Marsden Inn fought hard all the match, they are still not clear of relegation and need points badly whereas Wynyard are still very much concerned with promotion being fourth top and only two points behind. Langley Park Rams Head are also there, they won 2-1 at home to Whitley Bay. They led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of an Alan Forster goal. After the restart Vince Chatterton shot them into a 2-0 lead. Eight minutes from time Whitley pulled one back. Centre back Kevin Williams had an outstanding game.

In division three West Cornforth drew 3-3 away to Hartlepool RNC. Cornforth strolled the first half and led 2-0. They then went 3-0 shortly after the restart. Pools came back into the game scoring three goals to draw level and had to defend desperately in the closing minutes.

Durham C Strollers came back to form winning 2-0 at home to Regency Windows. They led 2-0 at the interval and despite all Regency's efforts never looked like losing the game. Scorers were Thompson and Steve Greenham.

Crook Town were in top class form, they defeated the Toll Bar 6-2 away form home to continue their climb up the league.

In division four Wynyard Old Boys move off bottom spot, they turned in a solid performance to draw 0-0 at home to promotion-seeking Grindon Veterans and if their finishing had been slightly better should have won as they had several chances in the second half. Outstanding players for Old Boys were Billy Rogers and Gary Redhead.

Thornley Celtic move into second place after winning 2-0 away to Winstons.