Newton Aycliffe clinched the second division title even though they could only draw 2-2 with Chester-le-Street at Moore Lane..

Aycliffe thought that they might have to wait a week before they could lift the silverware but then news filtered through that the teams chasing them had dropped points.

Manager Alan Oliver said: “It’s a tremendous performance considering that it’s only our second season in the league. The players have done very well for us this season, and there have been some very good performances. Everybody can be proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Chester started the better of the two sides, and after Mark Davison hit the bar, they took the lead when Robbie Draper took advantage of a mistake.

Elliott Gardiner levelled for Aycliffe with a good header from Paul Broom’s cross, but Chester regained the lead when Jordan Fraser claimed the last touch after Davison’s shot was blocked on the line by a defender. However, prolific Aycliffe striker Warren Byrne took his tally for the season to 41 in the league when he converted a hotly disputed penalty for a foul on Ben Wood. Aycliffe will be presented with the Second Division trophy after their home game against Birtley on April 16.

Chester are hoping to announce their new manager in midweek.

The chase for the other promotion places took a twist because of fifth placed Marske’s 2-1 away win at second placed Guisborough, some revenge for their defeat in the North Riding Senior Cup final in midweek.

Marske took the lead after 20 minutes when Chris McGill picked up a through ball and beat the Guisborough keeper , and they went 2-0 up just after half time when Anthony Ormerod scored with a near post header from a Derek Bradley corner.

Guisborough though hit back with a David onions penalty awarded for handball, and caused some anxious moments, although Benn Thompson nearly scored at the other end.

Marske manager Paul Burton said: “There was much more effort and commitment than there was in the Cup final against Guisborough. I had never felt so low than last Wednesday, but I feel much better now that the players have responded.”

North Shields failed to win for the fifth successive league game, as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Crook Town.

Crook, who fielded several youngsters, defended well, and scored the winner with just two minutes remaining when Paul Moss headed a Shaun Davies setpiece into the top corner of the net.

Crook manager Brian Maitland said: “Considering the number of players we had missing, there were a lot of positives to take out of the game.”

Shields, however, moved up to third on goal difference because Team Northumbria suffered their first defeat in nine matches when they were easily beaten 5-0 at Whitehaven. Kevin Connelly was amongst the goals, taking his league tally for the season to 27.

Northallerton were too strong for Seaham Red Star in the second half of their clash, running out 5-2 winners.

Northallerton quickly went two goals up through Martin Butterworth and Peter Bulmer, but Jonathan Monaghan hit back with two for Seaham, one of them from a mistake by the Northallerton keeper.

However, the home side regained control after the break, and top scorer Darren Mowbray grabbed two to take his tally for the season to 23, with Bulmer adding the other. Northallerton also hit the bar twice.

Northallerton manager Mark Fanning said: “We looked fairly comfortable in the first half, but conceded two goals. We were much more direct in the second half, and it paid off.”

A young Horden side had a good 3-1 away win at Gillford Park. Kevin Boddy, Tom Gavin and Lewis Edwards scored for Horden, with Peter Ferris replying for the Cumbrians.

Darlington RA won for the first time in seven league matches when they beat second bottom Brandon 2-0.

Garry Barnes created the first goal when he ran down the right and set up Christian Holliday to score from a few yards, and after missing a few chances, the RA got their second when Fred Huscroft broke away and slotted the ball past the Brandon keeper.

Darlington RA manager Nick Harrison said: “I would have been happy to finish the season on Saturday, because we played very well.”

Washington, who have still to withdraw their resignation from the league, drew 1-1 with Thornaby. Debutant Jordan Morgan put Thornaby ahead after 17 minutes, but Nicky Martin levelled for Washington early in the second half.

Morpeth won only their second league game of the season by beating Whickham 2-1.

Whickham’s home game with Washington on Saturday kicks off at 11.30 as part of a special Northern League Day set up by a group of on line bloggers.