Spennymoor are now 26 points behind leaders Darlington with nine games in hand after they won 3-0 at Billingham Town last night.

Moors hit the woodwork twice before Lewis Dodds put them into the lead after 36 minutes from outside the box, and they went close a few more times before Dodds cracked in the second from the edge of the area soon after half time. Chris Moore wrapped up the points with an effort that went in off the post later in the game.

At the bottom end of the table, Newton Aycliffe dropped to fourth bottom after they lost 3-0 to Newcastle Benfield at Moore Lane.

Danny Mellanby put a good chance wide for Aycliffe before Benfield took the lead after 29 minutes when Ian Graham broke through on the right and beat Scott Pocklington at his near post.

Steven Brown scored a superb second with a 30 yard volley for the second two minutes after half time, then Brian Dodsworth latched on to a ball through the middle and fired the third.

There’s still life in second bottom South Shields , as they beat Celtic Nation 2-1 at Filtrona Park. Lee Hoolickin gave CN the lead at half time, but Jonny Wightman with a header and Lee Bell’s free kick gave Shields victory.

Shildon won their local derby by 3-1 at Bishop Auckland. Sam Garvie fired them into an early lead, but Andy Johnson levelled from the spot for Bishops, his 29th league goal of the season.

But Mark Hudson restored Shildon’s lead from close range on 53 minutes, then Jamie Owens cracked in the third on the hour.

Whitley Bay, who play Darlington on Saturday, beat Dunston UTS 1-0 with a second half goal by Tomi Amoebi from close range.

In the second division, Brandon and West Allotment drew 0-0.