Paul Bennett's side has recorded four draws and two wins in their last six outings and shedding points at this critical stage has encouraged the Central's major rivals Gillford Park.

Walker figured in another stalemate after drawing 1-1 with Heddon at Bullocksteads.

John Campbell gave them the lead ten minutes into the second half but with ten minutes to go Heddon hit back through Liam Heenan.

Last season's champions Harraby Catholic Club are still in second place and extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches but they're running out of time.

In their penultimate fixture Harraby soundly beat visitors Shankhouse 4-1.

Leading 3-1 at the interval the Cumbrians had Rob Bainbridge, James Parker and Steve Archibald on target before Marc Shiel completed their tally in the 89th minute.

Craig Johnson replied for Shankhouse and also missed from the penalty spot.

Leaders Walker Central need to win two of their three remaining games — home to Alnwick Town and Blyth Town and away to Carlisle City — to be sure of ending the championship challenge of Gillford Park in third spot.

And Gillford kept the pressure on by beating visitors Ashington Colliers 2-1 and ending a worrying lean spell.

Ashington's Mark Pattie cancelled out Graham Goulding's opener for the home side but Lee Otway marked his return from suspension with the Park's second half winner.

Blyth Town's home game against Carlisle City was called off due to waterlogging, leaving Blyth with six more matches to fit in before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Heddon leapfrogged over Peterlee Town to claim fourth spot.

Peterlee suffered their third defeat on the trot, going down 5-2 away to Heaton Stannington.

Andrew Weeks completed his hat-trick for Heaton and their other scorers were Adam Donaghy and Aaron Jewell.

The Newtowners' two replies both came from Karl Lilley.

And Heaton now only need to avoid defeat against Ponteland United to preserve a season-long unbeaten record at Grounsell Park.

Ponteland ran out 3-0 victors at home to Alnwick Town who look destined to finish a disappointing season third from bottom in the Premier Division.

They were sunk at the Leisure Centre Ground by goals for United's Richard Kent, Kevin McGorie and Andrew Davidson.

With one game left to play Newcastle University can't avoid finishing just above Northbank in the basement.

And the Students were beaten 1-0 at home by Cramlington Town.

After three successive draws Cramlington claimed victory with a strike by Andrew Millar right on half time.

Meanwhile, next Wednesday, May14, sees the Longhorn Hardware League Cup Final being staged at Grounsell Park, Heaton.