Northallerton stunned second placed Newton Aycliffe with a 3-2 win at Moore Lane.

Stephen Cheeseman put Northallerton into the lead at the second attempt just before half time, but Dean Thexton levelled with his 21st goal of the season with a good shot on the turn.

However, Callum Smith quickly restored Northallerton’s lead with a powerful shot, then Cheeseman set up Smith for the third. Thexton pulled a late goal back for Aycliffe.

Northallerton manager Darren Trotter said; “We’re very pleased. We have been working hard all season and not getting the rewards we deserve and of late we are getting results for the performances.

“I thought we outbattled a good team and created the better chances of the game a brief scare towards the end but full value for the win in my opinion.”

Aycliffe manager Colin Stromsoy said; “Northallerton brought more intensity, and we allowed them far too much space and time. They made their moments count and brought our winning run to an end. We have to respond next week.”

Northallerton have now climbed up to fifth bottom of the table, and have gone above Whickham, who have dropped to second bottom following their 3-2 home defeat by Seaham.

Penrith won their third game of the season by beating Ashington, while Billingham Town are now up to fourth after beating Whitley Bay 2-0.

In the second division, Tow Law beat Billingham Synthonia 2-0 thanks to second half goals by Dale Milburn and Lewis Teasdale.

Tow Law manager Micky Vasey said; “It was an even-steven first half, but we dominated the second half and picked up a well-deserved win.”

Leaders Redcar Athletic lost their unbeaten home record when they were beaten 3-2 at home by Heaton Stannington, while third placed Ryton lost at home to Carlisle City.

On Friday night, Crook Town came from two goals down at Esh Winning to win 3-2.

Crook manager Jamie Tunstall said; “After Tuesday’s win it at Chester-le-Street, it was important to follow that up with three more points. We were far from our best in both games, but we've gone away from home and got six points. I'd have snapped your hand off if that was offered at the start of the week. Teams don't play well every week, getting wins whilst not playing well is something we haven't done enough of. The lads deserve a lot of credit for digging in and fighting until the end. I'm delighted for them.”

Esh Winning manager Tony Boakes said; “We were great for 60 minutes and were 2-0 up. They scored a 30-yard volley then the second went straight in from a cross. One of our players missed a clearance for their third. We should have won really comfortably but yet again poor decisions cost us what would have been a great three points.”

Five games were postponed, at Bedlington, Birtley, Brandon, Durham City and Jarrow.