SHILDON got the better of tenman West Auckland in their local derby at Dean Street.

West had midfielder Danny Key red-carded for a foul on Karl Everitt in the opening minutes, and Shildon took the lead when Adam Emson nodded the ball down for Stuart Niven to drive in.

Emson was also involved in the second just on half time when Wayne Gredziak fired the ball home. West pulled a goal back through Bryan Stewart on 65 minutes, and Tommy Louden missed an open goal in the last minute as it finished 2-1 to Shildon.

Billingham Town easily got the better of their derby rivals Billingham Synthonia 4-1 at Central Avenue. Synners took the lead after 20 minutes with a Colin Iley effort from an acute angle, but Town levelled with a Steve Huggins penalty after Stuart Banks was felled. James Magowan put Town into the lead from a John McKie cross on 38 minutes, and in the second half he scored the third after Banks' shot was blocked. Banks scored the fourth with a shot into the top corner.

Durham City are still top after they won 1-0 at Chester-le-Street, Adam Johnston scoring the winner after 48 minutes.

Consett stay second after beating Tow Law 2-1 at Ironworks Road. Mattie Moffat put Consett into the lead, but Steve Walker levelled from a Mark Eccles cross. Steve Johnson scored the winner eight minutes from time.

Lee Kerr scored all three for Whitley Bay in their 3-1 home win over West Allotment, while Sunderland Nissan striker Gavin Cogdon scored two of his side's goals in their 4-1 home win over bottom club Jarrow Roofing.

Morpeth came from behind to beat Newcastle Benfield 2-1, while Bedlington drew 1-1 at Ashington.

In the second division, a season's best crowd of 621 saw Marske United beat derby rivals Guisborough 1-0 with a goal by Liam McPhillips after 70 minutes.

Birtley were knocked off the top when they lost 3-1 at Hebburn, while Penrith took over at the top with a 5-1 win at Thornaby.

Stokesley moved up to ninth with a 2-1 home win over Norton, both goals scored by Sonny Andrews in the first half. Esh Winning had a comfortable 5-0 win at bottom club Brandon, former Brandon player Craig Coates scoring two of the goals.

Darlington RA picked up a good point in a goalless draw at Crook Town, while Darren Atkinson and Mark Stephenson scored first half goals to give Horden a 2-0 home win over North Shields.

Ryton striker Andy Bulford scored twice in the last 20 minutes to give his side the points against Team Northumbria.

* In the UniBond League, Gateshead won 2-1 at Guiseley, but Whitby lost 3-1 at home to North Ferriby.

In the First Division North, Newcastle Blue Star drew 1-1 with Garforth.