Arngrove Northern League: Darlington RA manager David Woodcock believes his side's promotion chances are in the balance after a below-par display at Crook on Saturday.

The RA lost 3-0, making it one win in their last five league games, and opened the door for Penrith in the race for the last promotion place.

"We were absolutely awful," said Woodcock, whose side are now just a point ahead of Penrith, having played one more game.

"We looked a very tired side that's struggling to pick up points, and weren't at the races.

"Some of our players have played too many matches because they also play Sunday football, and it's caught up with them.

"I'm so proud of what the players have achieved this season, but in some ways I'm also disappointed.

"We might have pressed the self-destruct button, so we need to pick ourselves up as soon as possible."

Crook took the lead after 35 minutes when Roy Allen set up Danny Mellanby to fire into the top corner, and they went 2-0 up when Jamie Harwood slotted home after a one-two.

Gary Mitchell then got the third with a shot on the turn from a Mellanby pass. The RA play Whickham at home on Wednesday, and then go to Alnwick for their final game on Saturday.

Penrith kept the pressure on with a 3-2 win at Guisborough. Guisborough took the lead with a strike by Jamie May, but Penrith levelled through Jamie Rook.

Michael Reed then pounced to put Penrith in front, but Guisborough got back to 2-2 with an own goal by Wayne Robertson. Striker Ryan Errington hit the winner for the Cumbrians, who are at Consett on Wednesday before home and away fixtures against South Shields.

West Auckland's chances of a top three place in the First Division are slipping away after they lost 1-0 at Ashington, who are now sixth from bottom - former Hartlepool and Darlington striker Paul Beavers got the goal.

West pushed forward in numbers after the break, and went close through Dale Jardine.

Speculation still surrounds troubled Bedlington, who were without substitutes for their home game against relegated Esh Winning, but still won 3-2. They played most of the game with ten men, after Micky Cross went off early in the game through injury.

Veteran John Milner headed them into the lead, Tony Shandran added a second and Keith Douglas missed a penalty before grabbing the third. Esh launched a late revival with goals by Lee Suddes and Jason Ritchie.

Bedlington are second, five points ahead of Dunston who lost 2-0 at Newcastle Benfield.

Billingham Town are fourth following a 2-1 away win at Tow Law. Scott Emmerson scored his 17th league goal of the season from a Derek Waters free kick on 29 minutes.

Billingham levelled with a Jamie Clarke penalty for a foul on Stephen Flockett, then in the last minute Clarke scored with a header.

Champions Newcastle Blue Star beat Horden 1-0, striker Garry Barnes scoring the only goal.

Shildon are now five points ahead of third-bottom Thornaby thanks to a 1-1 draw with Sunderland Nissan at Dean Street. Nissan took the lead in the first half through David Tait, but Shildon levelled midway through the second half with an effort by sub Andrew Richardson from the edge of the box.

Chester-le-Street are now unbeaten in their last seven games thanks to a 1-0 away win at Whitley Bay - Andy Cuthbertson scoring from the spot.

Morpeth beat West Allotment 1-0, Kevin Henderson scoring.

In the other second division games, bottom club Peterlee said goodbye to the league - unless another club resigns - with a 4-0 home defeat by North Shields.

Eddie Miller scored twice for Shields in the first half, with Iain Davison and Grant Kershaw adding further goals in a one-sided game.

Peterlee secretary Billy Banks, 53, was forced to make another appearance - his third in recent weeks - in the second half because of a shortage of players.

Champions Consett came from behind to win 3-1 at Alnwick. Colin McKenzie hit the post for Consett in the first half, but they went behind after 50 minutes to a goal from Neil Catlow.

Consett hit back when Michael Mackay slotted in his 28th league goal of the season and then his 29th put them ahead.

Sub Andy Bulford set up Scott MacDonald for the third.

Northallerton, in second, scored a last-minute equaliser to snatch a point against Seaham Red Star, who haven't won in twelve matches.

The visitors took the lead when John Toft scored from ten yards, but Northallerton equalised when Ross Diamond scored from a long clearance by keeper Sam Dobbs.

Northallerton striker Carl Chillingsworth and Seaham defender Glen Moan were both red-carded in the second half.

South Shields can still climb out of the bottom two after a good 2-1 win at Prudhoe, scoring twice in the last ten minutes.

Spennymoor beat Whickham 1-0 at the Brewery Field. Chris Lawther scored after ten minutes and Moors keeper Dave Leighton spared their blushes, saving a penalty at the death.

However, police had to be called when stones were thrown on to the pitch from outside the ground - Moors had a Warren Byrne goal disallowed with debris lying on the field.

Marske drew 1-1 with Hebburn and Norton dropped to seventh after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ryton, Tyson Masters equalising for Norton.