WEARSIDE LEAGUE By MALCOLM PRATT

SILKSWORTH moved out of the bottom three with victory over out-of-form Houghton Town at Leyburn Grove on Saturday.

Richard Maughan and Jonathan Fox had Steven Smith's side two goals up by half-time and it was just about all over for Houghton when James Gillespie made it three after an hour.

Houghton, who have played more games than any other side, have slipped to sixth from the basement and conceded 77 goals from 25 matches.

Bottom-of-the-table Prudhoe Town have leaked the most goals and the five which Ryhope CW racked up took their unenviable total to 88.

The Wearsiders, now second top, went ahead through Martin Metcalfe but suffered a blow a minute before the interval with the dismissal of captain Phil Hall.

The numerical disadvantage, however, didn't pose a problem and in the second period they went nap with a superb hat-trick by substitute John Butler and one goal from David Newby.

Boldon CA are just above Prudhoe Town after losing to Stockton Town whose marksmen were Joe Hinchley and Matthew Richardson.

There's no stopping Easington Colliery at the other end of the table and they enjoy a 10-points lead over Ryhope CW with the sides having played the same number of games.

The Colliers made it 17 wins and three draws in 20 games when they defeated fourth-top Ashbrooke Belford House with a brace of goals by Barry Turton and one from Dale Crawford after Alan Young had fired Ashbrooke ahead.

Shaun Ross scored both Hartlepool goals in the win over Willington while Shaun Gregory's first-half header proved sufficient for Wolviston at Kirkbymoorside.

James Kesterton and Daniel Drazdauskas were Redcar Athletic's matchwinners over Annfield Plain whose only reply came from Colin Snailham.

The goals flowed at Darlington Cleveland Bridge but they were all scored by Windscale who are up to fifth. Dean Rogers rifled a hat-trick with Graeme Goulding also finding the net.

New Marske, in third position, just two points behind Ryhope CW with a game in hand, maintained their challenge for a league and cup double with victory at Coxhoe Athletic.

Shaun Mackin and Daniel Jones netted with Philip Bulmer replying for Coxhoe. Victory earned the Seasiders their place in the Third Round of the League Cup. Jarrow's tie at Cleator Moor Celtic was postponed because of a water-logged pitch.