Darlington RA went nap visiting Annfield Plain when all the goals were scored in the second period.

The Plain had to substitute injured pair Kevin Lister and Lee Tweedy at the halfway stage and RA's dominance thereafter was rewarded with goals by Graham Dodsworth (2), Kevin Wray, Matthew Sowden and Gary Hornsby.

Ferryhill Athletic, who struggled throughout last season, also struck five goals defeating Cleadon SC. They were on top from the start and when they went 3-0 up by the interval the result was effectively settled.

Last season's leading scorer Alan Robson bagged a brace and others on target were Mark Forster, Gary Armstrong and Peter Robson. Mark Johnson hit a consolation goal for Cleadon.

Wolviston were involved in an eight-goal thriller with Harton and Westoe. John Symon and Andrew Steel both struck twice for the Teessiders with Michael Meek (2), Mark Robinson and David Hopper responding.

After winning their first two matches, Stokesley SC went down 4-1 to champions North Shields at Ralph Gardner Park. Craig Johnson slotted home to give Stokesley the best possible start in the third minute but within three minutes, the home side were level as Eddie Miller headed home.

Two goals in as many minutes just before the break by Miller and Barry Gibson swung the initiative towards the Robins. There was a further blow for Stokesley when goalkeeper Guy Ngansi was injured trying to save the second goal and he was replaced by Ben Escritt. Miller completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute and thereafter, there was no way back for the visitors.

Newcomers Barnard Castle Glaxo suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at Boldon CA who led through Stephen Handy and Stuart Patterson before Stuart Murray claimed a late goal for the visitors.

Stanley United won their first two games but tasted defeat as New Marske ran out 2-1 winners after leading through Gary Owens and an Ian Johnson penalty. Neil Bewley threw Stanley a lifeline but the visitors held on.

A hat-trick by Paul Terrell, who hit two goals in the last ten minutes, earned Birtley Town a 3-1 victory at home to Redcar Town who led with a 24th-minute strike from Danny Brunskill.

Graeme Lilly and Stephen Stoddart denied Ryhope CW who went down 2-1 at Whitehaven despite a Ryan McKenna penalty which kept them in with a chance until the final whistle.

Jarrow lost 3-0 to Windscale who were ahead at the break through Howard Kirkbride. Dean Rogers made it two soon after resuming and from then on Jarrow struggled to get back into the game before Vincent Jackson wrapped up the points with just a couple of minutes left.