Darlington RA manager Warren Moncur said; “It was a great performance in the first half when we controlled the game and broke through into good positions inside the box but wasted opportunities. In the second half Synners put three big lads up front and put high balls into them, but we still looked dangerous on the break.”

Team Northumbria possess a 100 percent record after hammering Birtley 9-0 away from home, giving them 22 goals in just four league games.

Dan O’Reilly scored a hat trick, with Ben Murdock, Ben Dibb-Fuller, Louis Storey, Paul Antony, Sam Reed and Gerard Richardson all on target.

Birtley manager Tony Boakes said; “We played an absolutely fantastic team today. They ran us off the pitch and outclassed us.”

Chester-le-Street are second on goal difference after coming from 3-2 down to win 4-3 at Brandon.

Craig Marron scored with two free kicks to put Chester 2-0 up, but Brandon hit back to lead 3-2 by the 70th minute with goals by Vinny Gash (2) and Kieran Weekes.

But Chester regrouped and took the points through Scott Heslop and Craig Mickle.

Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake said; “We really struggled to get going and were fortunate to go in at half time 2-0 thanks to two excellent free kicks. Within 25 minutes we found ourselves 3-2 down because of our poor play. Three subs were put on to liven things up and we ended up 4-3 winners. A good result but poor defensive performance.”

South Shields scored four times in the second half to give them the points at Willington.

Adam Burnicle put Willington into the lead on 27 minutes, and Shields didn’t equalise until the hour, when Stephen Ramsey scored from a loose ball.

Shields took the lead when Warren Byrne scored from the spot after he was brought down, and he made it 3-1 from a pass by new signing Robbie Briggs. He completed his hat trick from a rebound off the bar.

Tow Law lost for the fourth time this season when they were beaten 3-2 at home by Whickham.

Kai Hewitson scored twice for Tow Law, but that wasn’t enough as Mark Fitzpatrick (2) and Jack Moulding were on target for Whickham.

Tow Law manager Steve Murray said; “We were very unlucky today, we were much better.”

There was a high scoring game at Ryhope CW, who were beaten 6-4 at home by Thornaby who are now sixth.

The visitors led 3-0 with goals by Gary Mitchell, Theo Furness and an own goal, but Conor Winter pulled two back before half time.

Mitchell then completed his hat trick with Kieran Edwards also getting another to make it 6-2, but Winter completed his hat trick and Nathan O’Neill pulled a fourth back.

Thornaby manager Paul Edwards said; “We were 3-0 up and then went to sleep at 6-2 up. We totally outplayed Ryhope for long periods, and we fully deserved the three points.”

Ryhope CW manager Gary Pearson said; “The less said the better. Too many players had an off day. We were always chasing the game and never deserved anything from it. Defensively I was very disappointed and lacked ideas elsewhere but no time to sulk as Tuesday comes along sharp against Team North.”

Crook only had 12 players at Alnwick, and even though they led 1-0 at one stage, lost 2-1.

Andrew Wright gave Crook the lead, but James Jackson and Ross Gair hit back for Alnwick.

Crook manager Gary Anderson said; “Going away to Alnwick is always hard, but turning up with 12 players makes it even harder. Credit to the lads who turned up though. We went 1-0 up and looked comfortable then decided to self destruct, a few sloppy passes resulted in giving away two goals cheaply.”

Billingham Town dropped out of the top six following their 4-2 home defeat by Heaton Stannington, but they had their keeper sent off at 1-1.

Heaton took the lead through Adrian Watson, but Shaun Ross levelled for Town, who then had keeper Scott Campbell dismissed for handling outside the area. Heaton then went 3-1 up through Watson and Jonny Wright, before Town missed a penalty. Jonathon Bolton pulled one back for Town, but Heaton made sure of their first win of the season through Ben Telford.

Billingham Town manager Barry Watling said; “We’re disappointed with the sending off because it’s always hard losing a keeper, but we missed a penalty when we had them in trouble and if we had scored that then we could have pinched a point. But I was pleased with our second half attitude and I’m quite positive that we go into our next match in good shape.”

Heaton Stannington assistant manager Geoff Walker said; “We played really well in the first half and their keeper was sent off. We were outplayed at times against ten men in the second half which was disappointing. We’re happy we got three points, but disappointed with the second half performance.”

Northallerton recovered from their midweek defeat by beating Easington 2-0, Colin Anderson and Stuart Owen scoring inside the first 20 minutes.

Northallerton manager Danny Mellanby said; “I’m pleased to get back to winning ways and even more pleased to keep a clean sheet.”

Esh Winning and Stokesley still occupy the bottom two places.

Esh lost 3-0 at Hebburn, for whom Brian Johnson, Chris Feasey and Glen Hargrave scored.

Hebburn manager Scott Oliver said; “We aren’t playing well, but are winning so should be happy. Our passing is awful at the moment.”

Stokesley were thumped 6-0 at home by Ryton and Crawcrook for whom Sam Moore scored a hat trick, with Ryan Burnyeat, Scott Gunn and a Stokesley defender their other scorers.
.
.