OLD Shildon narrowly progressed to the second round of the First Division Cup last week with a 3-2 win over rivals Thorns.

Andrew Richardson had given home side Thorns a 1-0 lead when he converted a penalty, although Shildon equalised through Ian Maddison.

Maddison made it 2-1 to the visitors before Michael Oliver drew Thorns level with just five minutes left to all but set-up a nail-biting, extra-time period. But Craig Bendelow scored almost straight from the re-start to clinch a dramatic late win for Shildon.

"It was a very close game," admitted Shildon's Dave Hedley. "There was very little between the two sides and it could easily have gone either way, but we're pleased to have won our first cup game of the season and progress to the quarter-finals."

Thorns veteran Craig Cowans said: "I thought we were unfortunate. We didn't really get the rub of the green and I felt there was one or two decisions that didn't go our way, but could have. So to lose after such a close game was very disappointing."

Elsewhere in the First Division Cup, Newton Aycliffe beat Tudhoe United 3-2 with goals by Dave Muir, Paul Stevens and Russell Mercer. Billy McLacklin and Pat Watchman scored for Tudhoe.

Loves beat Browney 2-1 in the only other First Division Cup game, Gavin Wood and Gary Hindmarsh getting their goals and Peter Boucher scoring for Browney.

Meanwhile, North Briton continued their unbeaten start to the season when they beat Grand in the first round of the Second Division Cup.

Brit, second top of the Second Division after winning four and drawing one of their first five league games, progressed to the quarters with goals by Gary Donald (2) and Adrian Gough (2).

"It was a scrappy game," admitted Brit Secretary Phil Judge. "Our goalkeeper Mark Bowman kept us in the game at times with a man-of-the-match performance, but we battled well and probably could have scored more goals ourselves. We've put a good run of form together and, fingers crossed, it looks like we could go on to enjoy a good season after a couple of frustrating years!" Mark Cowley scored both Grand goals.

Middlestone Moor joined the Brit in the quarters with a 3-1 win over Eldon Arms. Gary Robinson converted two penalties, with Craig Parker netting the other, to provide their passage into the last eight.

"It was a good game," said manager Jimmy Tray. "After experiencing a mixed start to the season we were expecting a tough game and that's what we got, so the result was very pleasing." Jonathan Slater scored Eldon's only goal.

Elsewhere in the competition, Voltigeur beat Victoria 5-2.

There was only two league games last week due to the cup fixtures and the County Cup.

In Division One, Postchaise pipped Beehive with a narrow 3-2 win. Paul Thompson (2) and Paul Walton scored for Postchaise, with Kenny Melvin and Mark Pattinson netting Beehive's goals.

In Division Two, Cumby Arms beat Boot & Shoe 4-1 thanks to goals by Jonathan Hall (2), John Fleming and Michael Hestletine. Trevor Dixon scored for the Shoe.

* The league has reluctantly accepted the resignation of long-standing fixture secretary Norman Dale.

Norman has been a loyal committee member for a number of years and influential in the league's development over recent years, helping to earn its reputation as one of the best in the region. The league would like to thank Norman for his hard work and committed services over the years.

The league is now open to volunteers interested in taking over the fixture secretary role - members have until the next League Meeting (Wednesday, October ) to come forward. In the meantime, referees and club secretaries are asked to contact Secretary Mike Hill on 01388 608062 for any queries regarding fixtures, and Registration Secretary Tommy Lye on 01388 773550 for anything regarding referees.

Results round-up: Sunday, September 14: Division One: Beehive 2, Postchaise 3.

Division Two: Cumby Arms 4, Boot & Shoe 1.

First Division Cup R1: Thorns 2, Old Shildon 3; Tudhoe United 2, Newton Aycliffe 3; Loves 2, Browney 1.

Second Division Cup R1: Grand 2, North Briton 4; Middlestone Moor 3, Eldon Arms 1; Voltigeur 5, Victoria 2.

FIXTURES: Sunday, September 21: Division One: Tudhoe Utd v Thorns, Browney v Old Shildon, Beehive v Salvins, Lakeside v Loves, Newton Aycliffe v Green Tree, Binchester SC v Horndale.

Division Two: Masons Utd v Grand, Masons Arms v Eldon Arms, Victoria v Belvedere, North Briton v Voltigeur, Boot & Shoe v Middlestone Moor.

Second Division Cup R1: Cumby Arms v Shildon Athletic.