Peterlee completed an Houdini-style escape from relegation with a 2-0 win at Newcastle Blue Star on Saturday - and then manager Andy Toman quit.

Toman, appointed in October, announced his decision after they picked up their fourth win in six league games to complete a remarkable transformation, and push Prudhoe into the Second Division instead.

Toman said: "I've resigned because there are circumstances beyond my control. There are one or two difficulties which I have found hard to overcome.

"The players have been tremendous, especially over the last few weeks, because we never gave up hope, even when people had written us off. Whoever takes over will inherit a good squad."

Peterlee were well adrift of safety at the start of April, but they have picked up 14 points out of the last 18 to overtake Prudhoe.

Peterlee got off to a great start. when David McTiernan scored from a right wing cross, and they had three chances to increase their lead before half time.

Star hit back and Peterlee keeper Paul Jennison made a couple of good saves, before Peterlee scored their crucial second five minutes from time, when player-manager Toman broke through and set up Paul Hinton to sidefoot home.

Peterlee's fate was in doubt right up to the end, as Prudhoe went down 3-1 at home to Morpeth.

The visitors took an early lead when Colin Lawton scored from Steve Walker's corner after just two minutes, but Prudhoe levelled when Wayne Edgcumbe charged down a clearance from Morpeth keeper Trevor Dunn and tapped into an empty net.

But Morpeth quickly regained the lead when David Raynor fired home from the edge of the area.

Prudhoe threw men forward looking for the equaliser to give them safety, but they were caught out with five minutes left when Lawton scored from a Paul Beavers cross.

Prudhoe manager Steve Smith said: "Some of our players were disgraceful."

West Auckland scored one of the quickest goals of the season with a goal in ten second s against Esh Winning, but they still lost 2-1.

Michael Carter scored for West after only three players touched the ball to give them the lead, but Esh levelled after 17 minutes with a goal by Richie Paxton.

West had chances to regain the lead, but they scored at the other end instead when Mark Foster put the ball into his own net.

Billingham Town are now sure of a top four finish after they won 4-2 at Shildon. Gary Barnes put Shildon into the lead with a shot from the edge of the box, but Town levelled when Graeme Baverstock ran clear and beat Adam Clementson after 25 minutes.

Town went 2-1 up just before the break when George Woodhouse scored from an Andy Swalwell free kick in a scramble, but Shildon hit back to equalise with a David Bayles shot.

But Town scored twice in the last ten minutes to give them the points. Woodhouse headed in another Swalwell free kick, and Baverstock slotted in the fourth.

The result means West are now favourites to win the highest goalscorers prize for the team finishing outside the top four.

Town can finish third if they beat Guisborough on Wednesday night.

Tow Law's poor run continued when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Washington, who scored with an Andrew Curry shot after seven minutes.

Tow Law had missed several good chances to equalise, but they finish the season in the bottom half of the table after finishing second last season.

League runners up Bedlington lost 3-2 at Dunston, but there was some consolation for striker John Milner, who scored twice to virtually ensure the league's leading goalscorer award.

Milner scored both in the first half to give Bedlington a two goal lead and take his goals tally for the season to 34, but Dunston hit back after the break.

Micky Farrey pulled a goal back after 48 minutes, then Steve Holmes levelled with a header after 75 minutes. And Farrey completed the comeback with a penalty ten minutes from time.

In the second division, any three from five can still be promoted.

Penrith need just a point to be promoted after they won 1-0 at Kennek Ryhope CA, Barry Irving scoring his 18th league goal of the season for the Cumbrians in the second half.

Horden are now level on points with second placed Thornaby after they won their promotion clash 1-0, with Chris I'Anson scoring the goal that mattered in the second half.

Horden have still got Eppleton and Hebburn to play, while Thornaby have a tough week against Ashington and Penrith.

Ashington are in fourth place after they won 3-1 at Washington Nissan. Alan Hogg scored his 28th league goal of the season for Ashington, with Mark Campbell and Ian Herron scoring the others. Former Darlington player Gary Coatsworth scored for Nissan.

Ashington need to beat Thornaby on Wednesday night to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Seaham Red Star are still in with a chance of promotion after they beat Evenwood 2-1, all of the goals coming in the first half. Seaham are in fifth place, three points off the promotion spots.

Northallerton striker David Onions scored twice for his side in the first half as they won 3-1 at home to Hebburn.

Willington finished second bottom of the table after they lost 2-1 at Eppleton, who seem destined for relegation.Willington led through Brett Cummings, but David Tate and Dean Goodwin hit back for Eppleton.

Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland striker Stan Cummins scored twice for Norton as they beat Murton 4-2, their first win since Christmas.

Former Hartlepool and Huddersfield player Paul Dalton also scored twice as Crook drew 4-4 at Shotton, six of the goals coming in the first half.