Last weekend the deplorable weather blustery winds and driving rain turned the pitches into muddy quagmires and good football became almost impossible and it became a game of two halves, one with the wind and rain and the other against it.

In the Premier Darlington Croft lost 2-3 at home to Owton Manor. The Manor won the toss and elected to kick with the wind behind them and having the advantage went into a 3-0 lead courtesy of a brace from Chapman and one from Brian Ross before Ian Raper pulled one back for the Croft close on half time. the restart saw the Croft having the advantage and when Mark smith scored to make it 2-3 the game was wide open but that elusive goal never game. Owton's defence although under heavy pressure, held firm and Darlington's attacks just could not find a way through to score, although there were near misses and excellent saves but no further goals.

In Division One the leaders Consett, Duke of Wellington managed a 1-1 draw with the Touchdown Hotel in a very tight game. The Touchdown led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of an Archie Morton goal. The restart saw end to end football with both keeper pulling off several brilliant saves, but once again ground conditions came into the game when in the closing minutes the home keeper's clearance failed to bounce and just skidded in the mud to Ian Henderson who promptly volleyed it back into the net to give Consett a well earned 1-1 draw.

Newton Aycliffe slipped up in the promotion race by losing 3-2 away to Wearmouth and are now in fifth position.

Barnard Castle Glaxo kept on target they won 3-1 against Wallsend Rising Sun. Wallsend took a first half lead through Alan Lockey but failed to convert further chances. The restart saw Barnard Castle slowly gain control of the game. Gordon Bennett equalised when he headed home a Nookie Proud corner. Ronnie Sexton shot them into the lead with a power driver from the edge of the box. Finally the star of the match Nookie Proud made it 3-1 when he slotted home a spot kick after he had been up-ended in the box.

Darlington Railway turned in a fighting performance but lost 3-4 at home to Billingham Town. it was a real thriller of a game and the result was in doubt until final whistle. the Railway at lease deserved a draw for their efforts and this display, if kept up, should see them climb to safety, they are now a real workmanlike side with good potential.

The unpredictable Langley Park Rams Head showed their try form by winning 1-0 at home against Marsden Inn. They quickly adapted to windy and wet conditions by taking the lead after 15 minutes when Tommy Buxton went clear to score from just inside the box.. Shortly before the break the man of the match Vince Chapman cleverly beat his marker to score and put the Rams 2-0 up). The restart saw the Rams stay in control, Gary Collins made it 3-0 and Buxton scored his second of the game to settle the issue 4-0.

Wynyard Vets were in fine form they defeated Hebburn 4-0 at home and move into second spot on a superior goal difference. they began in fine style and took an early lead when Alan Jackson headed home a rebound off the bar shot by Peter Boldison. A super solo run by Mo Nayah made it 2-0 and just on half time Jackson scored his second goal of the match to make it 3-0. The restart saw the Wynyard content to hold on to their lead and Hebburn came more into the game. Peter Boldison who was outstanding just could not score, but once again his effort resulted in a goal as his shot hit the post and Mo Nayah was on hand to tap the rebound into the net and settle the issue 4-0 to the Vets.

In Division Three West Cornforth were in excellent form, they defeated close rivals Taylors 4-2 at home and are in third place. Gordon Metcalfe who had an outstanding game, volleyed home a corner from Jimmy Hudson tio put them 1-0 up but Taylors levelled the game just on half time. The restart produced end to end attacking football although West Cornforth always appeared to have a slight edge, went 2-1 in the lead when Tony Rowe scored with a fine solo run. Taylors fought back and eventually levelled. Cornforth however, kept up the pressure and regained the lead when Hudson converted a spot kick when David Graham was fouled in the box. Minutes later Graham scored to make it 4-2 to Cornforth and more or less settle the issue.

Durham City Strollers won 3-1 at home to Toll Bar, they led 2-0 at the interval but after the restart the visitors pulled one back but the Strollers came back strongly to make it 3-1, and the restart was never in doubt. Goal scorers were Steve Greenham a brace and martin Maggiore one.

Crook Town lost 0-1 away to Houghton Mill Inn in a very close match in which the result was always in doubt until the final whistle Mark Schell scored the vital goal.

In Division Four Wynyard Old Boys lost 1-2 at home to Roker Queen Vic. It was a game full of excitement but both sides had near misses. Shortly after the restart the Old Boys drew level when Terry Bean scored direct with a corner. It was now end to end football and the Old Boys were desperately unlucky when Paul Davison hit the bar and the rebound was blocked to safety and again when Billy Rogers hit the post and the ball was kicked clear. Finally the visitors grabbed the winner scoring from a breakaway 12 minutes from time to deny the Old Boys a share of the points.

The highest scoring match was Thorney Celtic 8-3 away win against Marsden Vets. Incidentally the Vets scored first but trailed 1-3 at the break, they wend sent 1-4 down but fought back to make it 3-4 it was then their secretary Dustin Elliott left the field and brought on a sub. This chance brought about Thornley Celtic's revival as they scored four goals in the last ten minutes to win 8-3.