Sunderland RCA extended their lead in Division Two to six points with a 2-0 Meadow Park victory over Washington.
Paul Taylor ran on to a through ball from Mark Davison and fired home a second-minute opener, and Michael Coghlan doubled the lead after 23 minutes, finishing superbly after Davison played him in on the edge of the box.
The second half was open an
d played at good pace with chances at either end, but there were no more goals.
Marske United are second, their highest rating so far, following a comprehensive victory at Hebburn Town with strikes by Ben Thompson (2), Derek Padley and Robert Jones.
Whitehaven's game was postponed and they dropped back to third but North Shields are challenging strongly for promotion and remain fourth.
Sixth-placed Guisborough Town went in front courtesy of Glen Butterworth but the Robins quickly levelled with a good finish from Glen Taylor.
North Shields, unbeaten in 12 games, are the only side in the two divisions to have scored in every game.
Jarrow Roofing are also in the promotion race but they too had to settle for a point at Brandon United for whom Liam Bramley bagged a brace of goals. Kevin Davison and goalkeeper Gary Frater, with a tremendous goal kick, replied for Roofing.
Chester-le-Street remain in the First Division's bottom six after conceding the lead to West Allotment Celtic on Tyneside.
The Cestrians' hopes rose when Craig Price fired them ahead midway through the first period but before the interval Ian Dunn drove past Josh Carmichael for the equaliser.
Early in the second half, Craig Scott struck with a low volley and just before the end it was all over for Stuart Sherwood's side as David Thompson completed the scoring.
West Auckland Town, with just one win, remain at the basement following a four-goal defeat at Bedlington Terriers whose marksmen were Tony Shandran, Steve Bowey, Gareth McAlindon and Jamie Poole.
At the top, Spennymoor Town are three points ahead of Whitley Bay. They enjoyed a second-half romp at Shildon and goals by Gavin Cogden (2) and Craig Ruddy added to Gareth Waite's first-half effort.
Whitley Bay remain second and they came from behind at Newcastle Benfield, who led until the 73rd minute courtesy of Stephen Young.
Three goals in 10 minutes by Lee Kerr (2) and Phil Bell changed the course of the game and in the later stages Benfield had Chris Carr and Andrew Dugdale sent off.
Ashington defeated Ryton with goals from Joe Race, Robbie Cockburn and Mark O'Dea and are third, level on points with South Shields who made it seven wins on the trot at the expense of Billingham Synthonia.
David Graham and Lee Paul Scroggins gave the Mariners a dream start, scoring in the first three minutes but Synners hit back during the second period and levelled thanks to Tommy Marron and Danny Earl.
Late in the game, Lee Paul Scroggins converted a penalty for the winning goal.
Bishop Auckland have conceded 12 goals in their last two games after leakingfour to Dunston UTS whose marksmen were Paul Watson, Darren Forsyth, Ben Cattanach and Martin Bagnall. Tyson Masters was Bishops only scorer.
Tow Law Town are up to sixth following victory at Billingham Town with goals in the last 10 minutes from Andrew Thompson and Mark Eccles. The Teessiders ledfrom the 44th minute through Stephen Roberts.
Norton and Stockton Ancients reached round three of the FA Carlsberg Vase when they recovered from a two-goals deficit to defeat Lancashire side Padiham.
The goals came from Sonny Andrews (3) and Richie Storr.
