Newton Aycliffe snatched the First Division Cup from Croxdale with a 3-0 win at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field.

In difficult, rain-swept conditions, both teams struggled to play any flowing football and few chances were created in the first-half. Aycliffe, however, did go into half-time with a 1-0 lead after striker Paul Stevens netted a typical goal-poacher's effort from a yard out.

The second-half was also fairly quiet as both sides yet again struggled to create any opportunities. Aycliffe - who had to lift themselves after two straight defeats by New Masons recently - managed to convert limited chances. Craig Evans' shot took a deflection ten minutes after the restart and Dave Muir netted a third after running on to a through ball and beating the keeper.

"I thought we played quite well," said Aycliffe manager Brian Scaife. "There wasn't much created and both sides struggled on a difficult pitch. But it was important for us to bounce back after the two defeats."

Croxdale have a chance of making up for their defeat when they take on New Masons in the B and A Trophy final on Sunday at the Brewery Field. Kick-off is 10.30am - admission free.

In the First Division, Horndale quashed their relegation fears with a 4-2 win against second-bottom North Eastern who now look certain of Second Division football next season.

Visiting North Eastern took the lead after ten minutes through Craig Woods but Horndale soon equalised when Adrian Cox headed home from a corner. The home side then took the lead when Martin Baird hit a contender for goal of the season - his corner curling directly into the net. And Baird added his second just before the break to make it 3-1. North Eastern pulled one back when Lee Atkinson converted a penalty but Daz Thompson grabbed Horndale's fourth with a lob to claim the win and ensure top-flight football next season.

North Eastern manager Jimmy Tray said: "To be truthful, we're not all that bothered about going down so the result wasn't so hard to take.

"We've got a young team now so we're looking to build for the future, but if they're getting thumped every week it won't be long before they drift away."

In Division Two, Huntsman bounced back from their first defeat of the season to win at Shildon Athletic.

Huntsman's title aspirations were somewhat dented last Thursday when they suffered a 4-1 defeat at Europa.

And Huntsman, who have experienced a shaky couple of weeks, once again started sluggishly, and paid the price when they went 1-0 down.

Dale Nelson equalised for the Huntsman and Dave Welsh put them 2-1 ahead. Makeshift striker Nigel Gamblin, who pushed up front for the injured Martin Walker at half-time, netted an impressive hat-trick for Huntsman, while Andy Clay scored one and Nelson grabbed his second.

Meanwhile, Europa continued their promotion push with yet another win, at home to the North Briton. Anthony Campbell gave Europa the lead but Dave Patrick equalised for the Brit.

However, Aaron Duff put Europa ahead then James Miller added the third to push Europa up into fourth in the Second Division.

Results round-up, April 24, Invitation Cup, quarter finals: Grand 3, Eldon Lane 2; Huntsman 7, Belvedere 5; Old Shildon 10, Locomotion 1; Browney 0, R George 0 (aet Browney win 5-3 on pens).

Division One: NewtonAycliffe 7, De Soto 0; Croxdale 0, New Masons 1.

April 26, Division Two: North Briton 2, Henknowle 4; Brawns Den 1, Royal George 1; Europa 4, Huntsman 1; Victoria 3, Black Horse 9.

April 29, Division One Cup Final: Croxdale 0, Newton Aycliffe 3.

Division One: Horndale 4, N.Eastern 2; Salvins 3, Belvedere 1; O Shildon 4, Browney 2; Eldon Lane 1, New Masons 4.

Division Two: Henknowle 2, Black Horse 4; Masons Utd 2, Railway 1; Victoria 0, R George 4; Locomotion 0, Broompark Loves 3; Green Tree 2, Pit Laddie 2; Shildon Athletic 1, Huntsman 7; Europa 3, North Briton 1.