The first division’s bottom club, Esh Winning, parted company with manager Adam Furness last Tuesday, but he answered an SOS from the club to take charge of the team at Whitley Bay, because new boss Peter Mulcaster was away on holiday and doesn’t start his duties until today. Ironically, Esh produced one of their best performances of the season in a 1-0 defeat.

Whitley enjoyed most of the possession and couldn’t break stubborn Esh down with keeper Andrew Spence making a couple of good saves, until the 75th minute, when Damon Robson headed home.

First Division leaders Consett are now four points clear after they beat Norton 3-1 at Belle Vue. Lewis Teasdale, who is on top form at the moment, gave them the lead from an Andy Cuthbertson pass on 50 minutes, then his strike partner Gavin Barton added the second from a free kick. Teasdale scored another from a Ryan Bell cross, before Danny Earl scored a late consolation for Norton.

Shildon are up to second, but they could only draw 2-2 at Jarrow Roofing. Justin Keegan headed them in front from a corner after 34 minutes, but Roofing hit back, with Kris Hughes causing Shildon problems with his pace. He levelled from a through ball by David Malloy, and put Roofing head with a 25 yarder. But Shildon, who have a big FA Cup tie at Workington this Saturday, salvaged a point when Steve Johnson rounded the keeper for the equaliser.

Newcastle Benfield, who won their first six league matches, have now picked up only one from their last two after drawing 2-2 at Penrith. Scott Fenwick gave Benfield an early lead, but Wayne Robertson headed Penrith level. Graeme Anthony put Penrith into the lead from the spot, but John Campbell levelled with another spot kick.