West Auckland had a great 2-1 away win at North Shields to revive their title hopes – but victory came at a price.

West had several players on the injury list before the game – one of them, Amar Purewal, passed a late fitness test – and they lost defender Dan Parker to injury after just 15 minutes Manager Gary Forrest said; “It was a really good win and well-deserved, because we played some very good football.”

After a goalless first half, they took the lead five minutes after half time when Purewal broke away and beat the Shields keeper, then he scored his second with another good effort.

Gary Day pulled a late goal back for Shields late in the game, but that wasn’t enough to stop West going into seventh in the table.

Newton Aycliffe lost 1-0 at home to league leaders Consett at Moore Lane, the goal coming from Darren Holden just before half time.

Aycliffe had some good chances in the second half, with Vinny Gash having a shot well saved, then Consett keeper Kyle Hayes saved well from Liam Browne.

Newton Aycliffe manager Deano Browne said; “It was disappointing to get beat 1-0 when I feel as though we were the better side. Consett were a good team and tried to play the right way but we more than matched them, we just couldn't take one of the chances we created.”

In the other first division matches, Stockton Town are third after they beat Ryhope CW 3-0 at Bishopton Road West courtesy of a second half hat trick by Mikey Roberts.

Dunston UTS are still unbeaten in the league this season in eight matches after they won 1-0 at Guisborough.

The two bottom clubs, Penrith and Seaham Red Star, drew 1-1, as did Whitley Bay and Ashington in their local derby.

In the second division, Willington came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at second placed Chester-le-Street.

Chester took the lead on 41 minutes through Cameron Nichol, and they went 2-0 up through Scott Robson. But Scott Oldfield pulled one back with a great shot on 70 minutes, and Dean Thexton rescued a point from the penalty spot.

Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake said; “In the end it was a fair result but after going 2 up with not playing well, we are disappointed not to hold on for the win. There were two avoidable goals conceded through individual errors, but we are happy with a point against a good side when we didn't really perform at our best.”

Willington manager Rob Lee said; “A great fight back from 2-0 down and bring it back to 2-2. We showed great team spirit and commitment and on chances I think we were unlucky not to come away with all three points.”

The result means that Chester are a point behind leaders Billingham Town, and Willington are on eighth.

Northallerton are now in sixth place after a 2-2 draw at Redcar Athletic. After Redcar scored early on, Northallerton levelled through Nicky Martin, and then went ahead thanks to Kerry Hedley, but Redcar equalised.

Manager Darren Trotter said; “I thought we were excellent, we played the conditions really well. We were frustrated that the amount of chances we missed, would have won us two games. However, knowing how the conditions were before the game, we were happy with a point.”

Esh Winning enjoyed their best win of the season by beating Birtley 4-0, with goals by Callum Boakes, Nick Marley, Daniel Kent and Sam Steele.

Esh Winning manager Tony Boakes said; “It was a great result from us following on from the Wednesday night game against Darlington. We’re playing well and took our chances.”

The victory has done them a power of good, lifting them five points clear of the bottom two.

Second bottom Brandon’s four game unbeaten run in the league came to an end when they were beaten 4-0 at Billingham Synthonia, for whom Kallum Hannah scored a hat trick.

In the other games, leaders Billingham Town are now unbeaten in 13 matches after they drew 1-1 with Heaton Stannington at Bedford Terrace.

Jarrow are now in the top four after winning 1-0 at Bedlington, while Washington moved up three places to sixth bottom after beating Ryton and Crawcrook.

Easington won 2-1 at West Allotment.