Chester-le-Street have a clear lead at the top of the table following their victory over Whitley Bay and Seaham Red Star's defeat at West Denton.

The Cestrians made no mistake in their home fixture with Whitley Bay and rifled ten goals with the Bay managing only one in reply from Stephen Nicholson (pen).

Chris Lowes rifled five goals, Martin Irwin struck four times and Philip Wadge added his name to the scoresheet.

Seaham Red Star, who went into the game in second position equal on points with Chester-le-Street, went down 2-1 to West Denton who recorded only their third win in 11 attempts. Stephen Dodd gave the home side the interval advantage and John Pendlebury added a second goal before Josh Mincher scored an 89th minute goal for Seaham.

New Hartley are now second after their saw off the challenge from Consett by a margin of 4-2. Adam Parsons scored the only goal in the first half as Consett led at the break, but in the second period New Hartley found their form and ended comfortable winners with strikes from James Brown, Daniel Ternent, James Bailey and Stephen Shadforth. Kevin Dixon was Consett's other marksman.

In the league cup Walker Central progressed at the expense of North Tyneside College. Ian Graham put Walker in front at the interval and in the second period Andrew Weeks and Shaun Quinn also found the net.

Chester-le-Street now lead New Hartley by one point, but they have two games in hand on their rivals, while Seaham Red Star are now third, three points adrift of the Cestrian having played one fixture less. At the bottom Prudhoe are still without a point following eight attempts.