The lingering championship hopes of Darlington RA ended at Ralph Gardner Park when North Shields, who required just one point to end in pole position, won 3-2.

RA, though, gave their hosts a couple of shocks before conceding two late goals to Robins' captain Anthony Robson, which were his first of the season.

David Woodcock's team took the lead on 22 minutes when Neil Jackson chipped goalkeeper Terry Burke.

Within five minutes North Shields levelled. A good ball from Andy Elliott found Michael Chilton, who turned before shooting past Robert Hawman.

Five minutes before the interval the two teams were reduced to ten men as Sean Beech and Mark Radmore were ordered off. It was RA who started the stronger in the second half and regained the initiative after 51 minutes. A free-kick from Richard Hill was brilliantly volleyed into the net by Michael Carter.

North Shields levelled on the hour with an excellent header from Robson following a cross from the left by Neil Hartley.

A winning result was just about put beyond the reach of RA nine minutes from time when Robson shot home his second goal and at the final whistle, the Robins, who finished runners-up last season, finally celebrated.

Stokesley SC went nap in their home game with Cleadon SC scoring all six goals in a 5-1 victory. Stephen Tait (2), Lee Escritt, Mark Kerr and Richard Hoare put the ball into the Cleadon net and an own goal accounted for the visitors' consolation.

Greg Booth, Ian Johnson, Michael Todd and Ben Walker earned New Marske a 4-2 victory at the expense of Annfield Plain, who replied through David Forster and Darren Mitchell (og).

Boldon CA edged Wolviston 2-1 with strikes from Tony Batey and Craig Rolph. John Symon replied for the visitors.

After conceding first-half goals to Ryan Woods and Craig Burns, Ryhope CW scored through Stephen Rochester but failed to find an equaliser at Whitehaven.