The Final Whistle - 5 November 2022

Stanhope Town took over top spot with a 3-1 win at Heighington. Ian Peadon opened the scoring after 17 minutes and Sam Green added a second during a first half that the dales side dominated. Heighington were much the better side in the second period and pulled a goal back through Shane Dodson. Heighington then missed several good chances but a Sam Green penalty secured the points for Stanhope four minutes from time. "Definitely a game of two halves" claimed Clem "they will be disappointed".
Newton Aycliffe Royal Telegraph lost ground in the title race when they were held to a 4-4 draw at home to Wynyard The Stables. Telegraph scorers were Stuart Cameron, Corey Denton, Tyler Kilburn Robinson and Niall Douglass. Peter Harbron and Jack Hall both bagged a pair for Wynyard while Jacob Ellington reported "a quality game".
Evenwood Town completed the double over Stanley Town with a 5-1 victory in the return game at Stanley. Robert Worthy (2), Tyler Thompson, Dale Dunn and Gareth McMahon scored the goals that secured Evenwoods's mid table position. Liam RIdley replied for Stanley.
Middlestone Moor's defence of the Weardale cup got off to a good start with a 12-1 victory over Howden Australian. Aaron Jackson top scored with a double hat trick with further goals courtesy of Ross Morrow (3), Josh Farlow (2) and Ethan Grayson. Adam Wright bagged the Australian consolation.
Willington WMC were runners up last season and kicked off this years competition with a 10-0 victory over Crook Wanderers. Comby bagged a hat trick for Willington with Brown, Hull, Bailes, Littlefair, Storey and Wilks taking the tally to 9?
A hat trick from Ash Murphy set up a 4-3 win for Ferryhill Town at Wolsingham. Shane Bowmer completed the Ferryhill score sheet. Wolsingham replied through a Dagan Taylor hat trick.