Wearside League: Stokesley SC are still in with a chance of winning the championship but it is extremely tight at the top of the table.

Boldon CA, who until recently were also in the running, were expected to provide stiff opposition but Stokesley produced another competent performance to end 2-0 winners.

Craig Johnson gave them the lead on the half hour and Ian Fairlamb added a second goal in the 65th minute, leaving Stokesley just seven points off the top.

Cleadon SC, who had a free day, remain in pole position but their lead over Birtley Town is a slender two points. Birtley regained form after two defeats when they scored twice in the first half through Tony Coe and Tony Thirkell at Nissan SSC Sunderland.

Third-top Whitehaven's title aspirations received a setback when Teesside Athletic returned home from Cumbria with a 1-0 victory - Billy Millington struck the only goal after ten minutes.

Windscale are fourth after beating Ryhope CW with two penalties by Howard Kirkbride.

At the bottom, Ferryhill Athletic are just a point behind Nissan SSC Sunderland with three games in hand. Ferryhill improved their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon with a 5-4 win at Harton and Westoe.

David Hopper, Jack Burrell, Dale Wells and Jonathan Muller hit the home goals with Peter Robson (2), Ian Robie (2) and Kevin Hodgson earning Ferryhill their third win of the season.

Gateshead Low Fell are third from bottom after losing 2-0 to Marske United who are now sixth from bottom. Substitute Adam Taylor scored with his first touch of the ball with James Smuk the Seasiders' other scorer.

Coxhoe Athletic leap-frogged Wolviston near the bottom with a 2-1 victory at Metcalfe Park. Player-manager Don Williams bagged a brace with Jimmy Greening on the mark for Wolviston who found Coxhoe goalkeeper Paul Ord in inspired form.

David Pickering's 44th-minute goal was sufficient for Willington at Annfield Plain and Cleator Moor Celtic also won 1-0 against Jarrow at Perth Green.