Shildon reached the Durham Challenge Cup final for the first time since 1972 when they beat Consett 3-1 at Dean Street last night.

In a good open game, Consett took the lead midway through the first half when Michael Mackay was left unmarked to score from a few yards. However, Shildon levelled when Consett keeper Chris Elliott cleared the ball straight to Shildon striker Ben Wood, who returned the ball from 40 yards into an empty net.

Shildon hit the bar through Wood, before they took the lead on 81 minutes when Darren Richardson was left unmarked to head home from a corner.

Matthew Slocombe replied by hitting the bar for Consett, before Shildon were reduced to ten men when Sam Garvie was sent off for a foul.

But Shildon kept their composure, and made sure four minutes from the end when Mark Hudson chipped the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

Shildon will play Spennymoor in the final on Good Friday.

Durham took the lead when Aycliffe keeper Andrew Spence could only parry a Scott Fenwick effort, and Jordan Galloway scored from the rebound. City went 2-0 up when Mark Wood brought down Ian Ward, and Fenwick scored from the spot.

It was 3-0 on 32 minutes when Olly Hotchkiss crossed for Ward to head in.

Ward got the fourth midway through the second half, and then finished off a good move for his hat trick. Tom Atkinson scored a late consolation for Aycliffe.

Penrith scored twice in the last five minutes to earn a 2-2 draw at Newcastle Benfield. The home side led with goals by Paul Brayson and Steven Riley, until Grant Davidson struck twice.

In the Ernest Armstrong Cup, Brandon stunned North Shields to win with a last minute goal by Alex Wilson.