DARLINGTON Cleveland Bridge improved their position near the bottom of the table with a 2-1 win away to Silksworth Rangers.

The Bridge trailed at the interval before clinching victory with a late winner.

They had a chance to take the lead in the 29th minute, but Michael Carter’s spotkick rebounded from the bar.

Carter headed the ball into the net but the effort was disallowed because no other player had touched the ball.

Silksworth struck first on 35 minutes with a rasping 25- yard effort by David Stevens.

The Bridge hit back for a 63rd-minute equaliser. Anthony Campbell beat two defenders and although the keeper got a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from entering the net.

With 11 minutes left leading scorer Daniel McLachlan headed in a cross from Michael Hillary, leaving Silksworth at the basement with seven points out of 60.

The only other fixture in the league to take place was at Kimberley Park where Peterlee Town drew 1-1 with Prudhoe Town.

Andrew Place converted a left-wing cross to give the visitors an early lead and there were only two minutes left when Prudhoe equalised.

They were awarded a free kick which was delivered into the box by Darren Turnbull.

Kevin Dixon headed on to substitute Jamie Henderson, who made no mistake from six yards.

Coxhoe Athletic managed to stage their Durham Trophy tie at the third attempt and following a nip-and-tuck battle with Chester-le-Street Whitehills, won 3-2.

Neil Charlton fired them in front, converting a good move just before the interval, but Whitehills hit back with two goals in five minutes from Luke Curry.

First, he headed home thenside- footed into an empty net.

Coxhoe equalised with an 80th-minute penalty awarded for a foul on Vinny Cash.

Stephen Parnaby gave the outstanding Chris Howard no chance from the spot.

With five minutes left Coxhoe booked their place in the next round. Howard punched clear but the ball was headed into the net by Kyle Scott.

Ahead of the last full programme before the Christmas break, Richmond Town enjoy a two-point lead over Stockton Town at the top, although the Teessiders have three games in hand.

Willington are also pressing strongly for the championship and, despite being four points off the top, they have played four games fewer than Richmond Town.