Stokesley SC strengthened their claims for the championship with a workmanlike performance at Annfield Plain.

Victory propelled them into second, three points behind Boldon CA who have played five games more. Paul Aldridge quickly put Stokesley in command and second-half goals by Nathan Haslam and Jonathan Newton assured them of three crucial points before Kevin Dixon reduced Annfield Plain's deficit in the final minutes.

Boldon CA were also emphatic winners on their visit to Redcar Town where they led by a couple of goals before Tony Peacock threw the Seasiders a lifeline when he converted a penalty.

Boldon, though, playing with a new-found confidence following an indifferent spell of form, finished comfortable winners with strikes by Kevin Tron (2), Gordon Williams and Mark Williams.

Birtley Town suffered a setback in their challenge for the title. Windscale delivered an unexpected defeat and the margin could have been greater had Kevin Law converted a late spot kick.

After four consecutive defeats, North Shields resurrected their championship challenge with victory at Ryhope CW. A drab game was settled by goals from Ian Dugdale on 28 minutes and by Dominic Riley with just a minute remaining.

Jarrow went 19 games without winning but they have now been successful in their last two fixtures. Harton and Westoe were their latest victims and there was no denying Jarrow were worthy winners. Stephen Dunn gave them an early lead and although Keith Mason levelled before the interval, second-half strikes by Michael Hutchinson and Andrew Bonner, with a brace, again had Jarrow celebrating.

New Marske were the biggest scorers as they went nap in their home game with Barnard Castle Glaxo. Adam Henry (2) and Darren Mitchell found the net before Glaxo mounted a revival which was rewarded with two goals from Stewart Murray. At that stage, the outcome was in doubt but skipper Ian Johnson and Glen Dolan earned the Seasiders a 5-2 victory.

Darlington RA extended their unbeaten sequence to 13 games but they needed penalties before reaching the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup at the expense of Cleadon SC.

The scores were level at 2-2 following extra time and RA won 5-4 on penalties. Mark Johnson (2) struck for Cleadon and Stephen Roberts and Stephen Johnson for RA in normal time.

Stanley United led Wolviston by two goals but it was the hosts who reached the last four of the competition when they ended 3-2 winners.

Aaron Scott and Shaun Gregory struck from outside the penalty area to raise the hopes of Stanley but Wolviston's fight-back saw them score through John Simon, David Reed and Keiron White.