BISHOP Auckland manager Brian Honour admits his side has a big relegation battle on its hands after they lost 2-1 at home to Billingham Synthonia.

Bishops are now just a point above the relegation zone after four games without a win, and Honour said: "We're firmly in the relegation fight, but we've got to keep battling away and not feel sorry for ourselves. We've got 16 cup finals to play now."

Bishops were in the lead at one point, on 53 minutes when former Synner Paul Crager headed in a Sean Joseph corner, but Synners levelled midway through the half when Craig Perry scored with a left foot shot from the edge of the box.

And Bishops were beaten by another long distance effort, this time Michael Jameson powering home a 25-yard free-kick to give Synners their first win in six.

Bottom club Jarrow Roofing reinforced their position as Tow Law's bogey team by beating Lawyers 4-0.

Jon Gibson ran through and scored at the second attempt after five minutes, then Craig Tate scored the second from a Gibson pass. Keith Hutchinson headed number three on 68 minutes, and Richard Logan scored another from the edge of the box.

Bedlington also put the pressure on Bishops by winning 3-2 at Seaham Red Star.

Warren Byrne scored from the spot to give Seaham the lead after 10 minutes, but Anthony Shandran equalised from close range.

He added another ten minutes from time and completed his hattrick from a close range. David Anderson pulled a goal back in the last minute.

Second-bottom Northallerton let a two-goal lead slip and had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Chesterle- Street. Anthony Hume headed Northallerton into the lead on 20 minutes, and then crossed for Godwin Douglas to score.

Danny Craggs pulled one back for Chester, and Elliott Milburn powerfully headed the equaliser.

West Auckland are now three points above the danger zone after they were held to a goalless draw by West Allotment.

Leaders Durham City are seven points clear after beating Shildon 1-0 at the Archibalds Stadium.

Durham striker Adam Johnston hit the post before Steve Richardson headed his side into the lead from a Stephen Capper cross after 17 minutes.

Sunderland Nissan moved into third place thanks to a 2-1 win at Ashington. Richard Hodgson put them into the lead from a Neil Tarrant assist on 13 minutes, and then he set up Leon Ryan for the second before half-time. Ross Atkinson pulled one back for Ashington.

In the second division, Esh Winning pulled off the day's shock result by winning 3-0 at leaders Penrith.

Stephen Banks put them into the lead from ten yards, and Craig Coates quickly scored a second from close range. Nicky Martin got the third with a backheel after 62 minutes for his 11th of the season.

Whickham strengthened their grip on second place by thumping bottom club Brandon 5-0.

Ian Robson, Darren Tindall, Graeme King and Paul Cavanagh (2) scoring. Brandon are now just three goals short of conceding a century this season.

Third-placed Ryton lost ground after they conceding to a last minute goal at South Shields. Steven Shaw gave Ryton a third minute lead, but Chris Feasey equalised from a free-kick 30 yards out.

Willie Crew gave Shields the lead, only for Marc Walton to equalise. But in a last minute scramble, Mark Johnson grabbed the winner for Shields.

Birtley have now lost five league games in a row after they were beaten 3-0 at home by Horden.

The visitors took the lead with a Neal Guttridge penalty for a handball offence, then Alan Hoey made it two when he fired home from 12 yards.

Recent signing Anthony Lund scored the goal of the game when he ran half the length of the field to beat the Birtley keeper.

Sunderland RCA made it seven wins from seven after they came from behind to beat Thornaby 3- 1.

Dane Wilson rounded the keeper to put Thornaby into the lead on 31 minutes, but Gary Shields levelled from the spot. Adam McGuinness volleyed the home side into the lead on the hour, and Andy Jennings made it 3-1 in the last minute.

Guisborough are within sight of the leaders after a second half fightback gave them the points at Norton. Micky Dunwell fired Norton into the lead, but Guisborough equalised on 52 minutes when Craig Skelton lobbed the Norton keeper from 20 yards.

Skelton also fired the winner from the edge of the area 20 minutes later.

Crook won for the first time in six, 2-0 against second bottom Team Northumbria. Darren Kokes and Craig McRobie on target.

Darlington RA are unbeaten in four games after holding Marske to a 1-1 draw at Mount Pleasant, but they had midfielder Lee Johnston dismissed along with Marske's Benn Thompson for their part in an incident five minutes from the end.

Stokesley lost 2-1 at home to North Shields, and had former Middlesbrough defender Nicky Mohan red carded for a professional foul. Jamie Poole gave them a lead, but two Graham Wilson goals turned it around.

Gateshead were involved in a remarkable UniBond League game at Frickley, coming back from 3-0 down at half-time to win 4-3. Jamie Harwood, Steve Bowey, Graeme Armstrong and David Southern scored their goals in the last 20 minutes.

Whitby also had an away win, 3-1 at Stamford. Danny Brunskill (2) and Mattie Appleby scoring.

In the First Division North, Newcastle Blue Star regained their form by winning 3-1 at Chorley. Lee Novak, Ian Nicholson and Chris Emms netting.