Andrew Appleby beat the offside trap and goalkeeper Ben Escritt to give the Wearsiders an early lead but before the interval James Magowan headed in a Simon Shaw corner for the equaliser.

Wilf Constantine's side is sixth, just six points off the top and with three games in hand on all five sides above them.

At the other end of the table, Chester-le-Street are second bottom after suffering a sixth defeat in nine games. An Alex Benjamin goal midway through the first half proved sufficient for Morpeth Town.

Seaham Red Star looked to be heading for an easy victory when they led Tow Law Town by three goals but the Lawyers hit back to claim a point.

Josh DeSilva bagged a brace and Brian Linighan also struck before two goals from Kraig Wilkinson and one by Philip Maguire denied Andy Toman's side victory.

A week ago Bishop Auckland didn't know where their first win would come from but after unexpectedly defeating Consett, they made it two wins on the bounce, overcoming Billingham Town.

Gavin Barton, Adam Strong and Scott Richards struck with John Alexander (pen) the only scorer for the Teessiders who had Michael Dalton sent off with 18 minutes remaining.

Dunston Federation missed the chance to go joint top when they could only draw with lowly South Shields who shocked the home side by taking a two-goals lead courtesy of Willie Crew and Lee O'Donovan.

A Fergal Harkin penalty led the fightback but there were only six minutes remaining as Michael Dixon equalised.

Stephen Flockett, Garry Barnes and Brian Stewart enabled West Auckland to defeat Northallerton and despite being reduced to ten men with the sending off of Daniel Moore, Shildon were good enough to draw with Spennymoor Town.

Warren Byrne fired Shildon ahead from the penalty spot and early in the second period Mark Foster levelled.

Ben Dawson, Tom Vickers and Keith Douglas netted in West Allotment Celtic's win over Ashington for whom Alan Hogg and Ross Atkinson replied.

Following two defeats, Consett hit Ryton for five courtesy of Mattie Moffat, Andrew Cuthbertson, John JoDickman and Carl Piecha (2). Mark Walton (pen) and Stephen Jones replied.

Bedlington Terriers also conceded five goals at Penrith.