Tow Law were within four minutes of a valuable victory at Newton Aycliffe on Saturday, and instead had to settle for their first draw of the season.

Lawyers got off to a great start when player-manager Ian Davison smashed in a free kick after 12 minutes, and that enabled them to grow in confidence.

They held on to their lead until four minutes from time, when Elliott Gardner scored with a deflected shot from 20 yards.

Lawyers manager Ian Davison said: “We played quite well in the first half, and after half time we dug in well as Aycliffe piled the pressure on.”

Newton Aycliffe manager Allan Oliver said: “We had plenty of pressure, but didn’t have many shots on target. Tow Law defended well and made it hard for us. It’s ended the five game winning run, but we’re still six games unbeaten.”

Guisborough are now out of the bottom four courtesy of a 3-1 home win over Jarrow Roofing.

They took the lead on 5 minutes when a shot by Shane Henry hit the bar, and Mikey Roberts scored from the rebound. Chris I’Anson made it 2-0 with a shot on the turn on 25 minutes, then I’Anson scored the third after Austin Johnston hit the bar. Peter Kane pulled a goal back for Roofing.

Guisborough manager Chris Hardy said: “After going 3-0 up inside the first half hour, that was pretty much game over. We did however, gift them a goal on the stroke of half time which was disappointing but all in all a fairly comfortable victory in the end.”

Jarrow Roofing are now fourth bottom, because Marske United beat Shildon 2-1.

Shildon took the lead after 25 minutes when Chris Hughes scored from a Stephen Johnson assist, but ten minutes later Marske were level when Karl Charlton produced a good finish.

Both keepers made some good saves, before Marske got the winner when Charlton and Danny Brunskill combined well for Benn Thompson to head powerfully home.

Marske manager Paul Burton said; “We kept plugging away and got our rewards against a very good Shildon side. We’re slowly getting used to this division.”

Shildon manager Gary Forrest said: “It was the same as every week. We defend like schoolboys and miss chances. We’re not learning from our mistakes.”

Bishop Auckland finished with nine men in their 2-1 defeat at South Shields.

Andy Barclay headed Shields into the lead after 11 minutes, and Shields stayed in control, scoring a second wit ha 30 yarder by Lee Bell.

Bishops then had Darren Richardson dismissed for a two footed tackle, and then defender Wayne Clarke was also sent off for two yellows, although the referee took some time to realise that on booking the player for the second time, he had already booked him once.

Even with nine men, Andy Johnson pulled a late goal back for Bishops, his 17th league goal of the season.

Bishop Auckland manager Colin Myers said: “Shields always bossed the midfield, and we really couldn’t get a grip of the game. After the second goal, it was all over.”

South Shields manager Jon King said: “We were physically very strong, and technically superior. I’d still love to keep a clean sheet, though.”

Bottom club Stokesley have now conceded 100 goals for the season after losing 4-0 at Penrith.