CROOK TOWN and Consett have gained exemption to the second round proper of the FA Carlsberg Vase and come into the competition with Albany Northern League champions Bedling-ton Terriers on November 11.

Tow Law Town and Dunston Federation must start earlier after previously being exempt to this stage.

Former finalists Tow Law come in at the first round proper on October 21, along with Whitley Bay, who drop down into the Vase from the FA Trophy after being relegated from the Uni-Bond League. Dunston have to take their chances in the first qualifying round, as do Chester-le-Street and Billingham Town.

FA Vase, first qualifying round (September 9) includes: A. Dunston Federation v Denaby United, B. Willington v Hallam, C. Evenwood Town v Ramsbottom United, D. Guisborough Town v Prescot Cables, E. West Allotment Celtic v Northallerton Town, F. Thornaby v Backpool Mechanics, G. Morpeth Town v Brandon United, H. Prudhoe Town v Glasshoughton Welfare, I. Fleetwood Freeport v Washington Ikeda Hoover, J. Billingham Synthonia v Peterlee.

Second qualifying round (September 23): Garforth Town v Jarrow Roofing, Easington v Shotton Comrades, Newcastle Blue Star v Castleton Gabriels, E v Holker Old Boys, Woodley Sports v A, Hebburn v H, Durham City v West Auckland, G v Horden CW, Kennek Ryhope CA v Hall Road Rangers, C v Thackley, J v Salford City, Rossington Main v Marske United.

Ashington v Billingham Town, Oldham Town v F, Chester le Street v B, South Shields v Penrith, Esh Winning v D, Worsbrough Bridge MW or Maltby Main v I, Winterton Rangers v Shildon, Abbey Hey v Whickham.

Bishop Auckland U18 juniors are hoping to improve on last season after retaining nine of their squad for another year. Bishops finished fourth in the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League, and they won the inaugural R G Lee Memorial Trophy by beating local rivals Willington.

In addition, Bishops reached the final of the South West Durham Presidents Cup, and the semi-finals of the league cup.

At the club's annual presentation evening last month, Michael Heckley was given the players' player and manager's player of the year awards. Mark Smith was top scorer with 15 goals, followed by Anthony Weir with 13 and Neil Robinson with 12. Weir also claimed the most man of the match awards throughout the season.

Training for next seasson has already started under manager Jackie Foster, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Bishop Auckland College 6.45pm. New players are welcome.