Bishops began where they left off at Penrith earlier in the season when they were leading 2-0 and the match was abandoned because of floodlight failure, although the heavens opened in the second half on this occasion.

Bishop Auckland manager Ian Chandler said; “It was a comfortable game after leading 2-0 inside ten minutes. We played some great football in the first half scoring a third, and maybe we should have had another couple. In the second half conditions got worse but we got two more goals leading to a comfortable win.”

They were ahead inside the first minute when Andy Johnson was fouled in the area, and Callum Patton scored from the spot.

It was 2-0 on six minutes when Johnson’s header was blocked and Chris Winn headed in the loose ball, and a third came along when Winn crossed for Patton to head in.

Shaun Ryder fired the fourth with 6 minutes left, and in the last minute Michael Hoganson set up Winn for the fifth.

Newton Aycliffe were held to a 1-1 draw at Sunderland Ryhope CW, Ben Wood scoring Aycliffe’s goal in the first half on his return to the club from West Auckland.

Newton Aycliffe manager Deano Browne said; “It was a really competitive game which I think we just shaded. We created more chances in my opinion, but Ryhope were always dangerous and possibly deserved their goal from a set piece. We missed some great chances in the second half, it feels weird to be disappointed with the draw.”

In the other First Division games, leaders Consett just managed to scrape past Guisborough Town by 2-1, Danny Craggs scoring both their goals.

North Shields beat Whitley Bay 2-0, while Seaham Red Star and Whickham shared the points in a 3-3 draw.

In the Second Division, Chester-le-Street stayed in second after they came from behind to beat Redcar Athletic 2-1.

Redcar led with a goal by Chris Abel, and even though Chester had Chris Stephenson sent off, they came back to win with goals by Joe Hailes on his return to the club and Jack Oliver.

Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake said; “They were a well-earned three points. Redcar started much the brighter, but the game turned on a red card for my right back for a reckless challenge. Redcar scored shortly afterwards from a corner, but we scored a good equaliser on the break before half time. We kept them at bay all second half and looked threatening on the break and again scored a good goal which gave us something to hang onto. They hit the bar from distance late on but generally we coped well with the one-man disadvantage. Everyone to a man played their part in an excellent win.”

Northallerton Town are up to fifth after they beat Birtley Town 3-2 at Ainderby Road, although they had to withstand a Birtley fight-back in the second half.

Kerry Hedley, Nicky Martin and Chris Emms put Northallerton 3-0 up at half time before the visitors scored twice in the second half.

Northallerton manager Darren Trotter said; “We took our chances in the first half, thought the game was won and then relaxed. Birtley threw a lot at us and we saw it through with some good defending.”

Willington are up to fifth after they beat West Allotment Celtic 2-0 at Hall Lane, Matty Moffat scoring both goals.

Willington manager Rob Lee said; “They were another three good points. They were two well taken goals by Matty and a good team performance.”

Crook Town lost to two second half goals at Thornaby, who are hot on the heels of Billingham Town and Chester-le-Street at the top.

Crook manager Jamie Tunstall said; “I'm really disappointed we didn't get anything from the game. We had three great chances first half and should have gone in at half time in front. A bit typical of us at the moment when we're having a good spell we don't always score but when teams put us under pressure we always seem to concede. We've got to toughen up and get to grips with this league quickly.”

Tow Law Town stay fourth bottom after they lost 3-2 at Heaton Stannington, who led 3-0 at one stage before Dan Kirkup and Trae Rowlandson pulled goals back.

Tow Law manager Steve Murray said; “We gave ourselves too much to do at 0-3, but we nearly did it.”

Brandon United are still five points adrift of safety after they were beaten 3-2 at home by Washington, for whom Craig Hennis scored the winner from the spot in the last minute.

Billingham Town are now 14 games unbeaten at the top after they won 4-2 at Easington Colliery, scoring all their goals in the first half.