BRANDON United suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at Blackpool Mechanics in the second qualifying round of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Saturday.

Brandon were one of the teams from the Albany Northern League expected to do well in the competition, but they failed to live up to expectations.

Manager Kenny Lindoe said: "It was very disappointing to lose. Some of the players have lost their confidence a little bit, and Blackpool outbattled us."

Micky Cunningham equalised for Brandon before half time, but they conceded a long range free kick for the second, and with twenty minutes left let in a hotly contested third.

But elsewhere several Northern League clubs had better luck on their travels.

Shildon coasted to a 4-0 win at Great Harwood.

They took the lead after sevn minutes through John Outhwaite from a Nigel Bolton pass, and after 28 minutes Bolton scored from the spot after Outhwaite was fouled.

Outhwaite headed the third just before half time, with Brian Fairhurst making sure in the second half.

Peterlee won 4-2 at Newcastle Benfield Saints.

They led 2-0 at half time with goals from Stuart Jewson and Ben Hall, but Benfield hit back to level with two goals in the second half. But Paul Hinton headed Peterlee back in front, then Ben Hall made sure late in the game.

Whitley Bay won 1-0 at Colne in Lancashire, Ian Chandler scoring from a Derek Middleton cross seven minutes before half time.

Chester-le-Street won 4-0 at Holker Old Boys, three of their goals coming in the last ten minutes through martin Bowes, Gary Shields and Ian Edwards. Jamie Morgan scored early in the second half.

Evenwood Town had an excellent 3-0 away win at Chadderton, with goals from Steve Lee, Richard Hinton and Micky Dutton.

Seaham Red Star won their first game in league and cup when they defeated Skelmersdale 1-0, the goal coming after 35 minutes through Chris Tierney from a Gary McCartney cross.

Guisborough defeated Northern Alliance club West Allotment 2-0. Steve McLean produced a good solo effort to put Guisborough into the lead after 34 minutes, and Jamie Clarke headed the second from a Nathan Haslam cross.

Thornaby beat Abbey Hey from Merseyside 4-2.

David Turner put them in front from a penalty, and after the visitors levelled, George Woodhouse restored the home lead from a Chris Homer pass. Paul Coleby made it 3-1 after 83 minutes, and then made the game safe in the last minute after Abbey Hey pulled one back.

Newcastle Blue Star beat Glasshoughton 1-0, thanks to a Bob Herman goal.

Alnwick lost 4-3 at home to Squires Gate, despite being in the lead three times in the game, while Morpeth lost 2-0 at Prescot Cables.

Washington Nissan had a good 4-1 home win against ANL Second Division colleagues Penrith, who are near the top of the table. All of Nissan's goals came in the first half, with Gavin Cogden scoring all of them.

Billingham Synthonia also put four past Horden, all of the goals coming in the second half. Lee Flannigan put them ahead with a low left foot shot, then Chris Fawcett added another from ten yards. Fawcett headed another from an Andy Ripley cross, and late in the game Flannigan got the fourth.

Durham City scored four without reply against South Shields. Lee Ludlow put them in front from a Craig Lake cross, then Ludlow added the second with a superb volley with his back to goal.

Ludlow was denied his hat-trick by the post, before Richard Ord headed the third, and Paul Robertson cracked in the fourth.

Durham are hoping to announce the signing of a player with recent Football League experience for their home game with Brandon tomorrow night.

West Auckland scraped through 3-2 after extra time at Northallerton who took an early lead thanks to a goal by Ross Foreman.

Steve Johnson levelled from a Phil McGuire pass, but Northallerton regained the lead straight from the kick off again through Ross Foreman.

McGuire then fired into the bottom corner for the equaliser, and in extra time Johnson pounced on a loose ball for the winner.

Esh Winning beat Crook Town 3-1 in the all Second Division clash. Gary Messer (2) and Craig Marron scored for Esh, with Paul Freary replying.

Only one game will need a replay, with the encounter between Washington and Jarrow Roofing ending all square. Craig Stoker put Roofing ahead, with Lee O'Donovan equalising.

The draw for the first round is being made at lunchtime today.