THE Division One's top four teams all won their games last week to further boost their title hopes.

Newton Aycliffe, Old Shildon, Lakeside and Thorns all came out on top with varying results and performances, with fifth-placed Loves also recording a win.

The results prove that the championship race will undoubtedly be one of the most interesting of past seasons, and could yet even go down to the wire.

Andrew Richardson netted two and Mark Russell one as Thorns beat Brandon 3-0. "It wasn't a pretty game!" admitted Thorns boss Dave McWaters. "The conditions were difficult for both sides and there wasn't a lot of flowing football played, but it was good to get another league game out of the way and three points on the board."

Lakeside beat Eldon Lane 5-4 with goals by Marc De Lucia (2), Dave Welsh, Martin Walker and Steve Hepples.

Lakeside manager Stuart Hodgson said: "We went to sleep and conceded three very sloppy goals, but this was due to Eldon wanting the game more than we did."

Eldon manager Sean Maguire said: "We're disappointed to lose after going 3-1 up in the first half, but I thought it was a good game of football. We played some of the best football of our season up to now so there were some positives to take from the game." Scott Wright (2), Colin Paterson and Michael Davison scored for Eldon.

Newton Aycliffe beat Beehive 2-0 thanks to goals by Russell Mercer and Steve Moran, while Old Shildon thumped Tudhoe United 7-1. Paul Whensley (2), Philip Appleby (2), James Hedley, Kevin Russell and Paul Wilson were all on the scoresheet for Shildon, while Christian Schofield netted Tudhoe's only goal.

Meanwhile, Loves beat Binchester Social Club 2-1 thanks to a Damien Brennan brace. Michael Tinkler scored for Binchester.

In Division Two, three of the four games ended in draws, with Binchester Hotel the only winners after narrowly beating Cumby Arms 3-2. David Parker (2) and Craig Parker scored for the victors, while Stewart Bell and Russell Cant scored for the Cumby.

Second-placed Horndale dropped two points when they drew 2-2 with Two Blues. Adrian Brown and Lee Nixon scored for the Blues, while Adrian Cox and Rob Chambers netted Horndale's goals.

The result provided leaders Postchaise with the perfect opportunity to extend their lead at the top, but they also drew - 1-1 with fourth-placed Shildon Athletic. James Scaife scored for Athletic and Phil Dowd from the spot for Postchaise.

Finally, Masons United and North Briton drew 1-1, George Richardson scoring for United and Francis Hannon for the Brit.

Results round-up - Sunday, February 16, Division One: Thorns 3, Brandon 0; Beehive 0, Newton Aycliffe 2; Binchester Social Club 1, Loves 2; Lakeside 5, Eldon Lane 4; Tudhoe 1, Old Shildon 7.

Division Two: Cumby Arms 2, Binchester Hotel 3; Masons Utd 1, North Briton 1; Shildon Athletic 1, Postchaise 1; Two Blues 2, Horndale 2.