AWAY day specialists Shildon are through to the last 16 of the FA Carlsberg Vase after a comfortable 2-0 win at Bitton.

Shildon’s victory in Gloucestershire was their 19th away win in the Vase in the last eight seasons, and their reward is a trip to Suffolk side Brantham, who defeated Whitley Bay, on February 9.

Shildon manager Gary Forrest said: “The lads went about the game very professionally, from getting on the bus on Friday afternoon, all the way through to the five minutes of stoppage time.

“Their attitude was superb, did everything exactly the way we wanted them to. I thought we were quite comfortable, while Bitton only had one real shot on goal.

“However, we missed one penalty and scored another.

We’ve now missed five penalties out of the last six, so I won’t be too keen on penalty shoot-outs just yet! I’m pleased we’ve got a long trip away again, it helps to get the lads together for a couple of days.”

Shildon were on top from the opening minutes, and took the lead with a strike by midfielder Robbie Briggs that took a slight deflection.

Shildon were helped by a red card to one of the Bitton players for deliberate handball, but Briggs missed the resultant penalty.

But when Shildon were awarded spot-kick in the second half for a foul on Chris Hughes, this time Mark Hudson scored from the spot to put them in cruise control.

Four-time winners Whitley Bay were knocked out by a single goal. They were up against an inspired performance by Brantham keeper Ryan Bedingfield, who pulled off several outstanding saves from Paul Robinson and James Novak, while they also had a goal disallowed.

The winner came near the end of first half of extra time, when David Grimwood scored from close range.

Chandler said: “Their keeper pulled off six blinding saves. After the first 15 to 20 minutes, I thought we dominated and the missed chances cost us. We should have been home and dry. On another day, we’d have gone comfortably through.

“It’s an unexpected defeat, because we expected to go through another couple of rounds. I think on their day, Shildon should have enough to go through.”

It was also Whitley’s first Vase defeat against a team from outside the Northern League since the 2008 semifinals when they lost to Lowestoft.

Ashington made the haul to Bodmin, but were unsuccessful and lost 3-2 to the South Western Peninsula League leaders.

Bodmin took the lead after nine minutes, but the Colliers levelled on the hour when Andy Johnson was brought down in the area, and Glen Taylor scored from the spot.

But the Cornishmen regained the lead when Ashington keeper Karl Dryden fumbled the ball, and Steve Colwell pounced to score.

Adam Carter hit the bar and then made it 3-1 with four minutes left, with Mattie Grieve pulling one back.

Ashington assistant manager Perry Briggs said: “I thought our preparation was spot on. We arrived at our hotel at 6pm on Friday night, the hotel was very good, and we had a good training session on the morning.

“But then some of our players didn’t turn up mentally.

We went a goal down early on, got back level, but then our keeper made a mistake to give them the second.

“It’s a very disappointing defeat. Some of our players must look at themselves after that performance.”

The Spennymoor Town v Lordswood and Tunbridge Wells v Dunston UTS ties were both postponed, and have been re-arranged for Saturday.

Revised draw: Spennymoor Town or Lordswood v Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Newport (IW) or Brighouse Town v Borrowash Victoria or Ascot United , Ely City or Spalding United v Guernsey, Brantham Athletic v Shildon, Ampthill Town or Enfield 1893 v AFC Emley or Hadleigh United, Rocester or Runcorn Town v Walsall Wood or Hanworth Villa, Larkhall Athletic v Tunbridge Wells or Dunston UTS, Bodmin Town v Gornal Athletic or Wisbech Town.

  • Second division clubs, Brandon and Esh Winning, have had points deducted for fielding ineligible players.

Brandon fielded Cameron Annison as a substitute against West Allotment, and he scored in their 2-0 win, but he was not registered in time.

Allotment can ask for the game to be replayed.

Esh fielded Robert Ferguson in a recent game, but he was under suspension.

  • All games affecting Wearside League teams were postponed on Saturday.

Richmond Town are hoping to make a third attempt to stage their North Riding County Cup tie against Whinney Banks on an all-weather surface on Thursday night but if the game doesn’t go ahead it will take place on Saturday.