Bishop Auckland’s hopes of League Cup success were dashed when they were beaten by a late winner against ten man Whitley Bay in the quarter final last night.

Whitley took an early lead on 13 minutes when Thomas Bott headed a long ball over Bishops keeper Scott Pocklington, but Bishops levelled on 27 minutes when a long ball by Graham Irving found Johnny Butler, who nodded the ball over Whitley keeper Michael Hammond.

However, Whitley regained the lead midway through the second half with a Paul Chow penalty, and then had Bott sent off for his second yellow. Bishops fought back, and Butler equalised with a penalty kick at the other end.

But Whitley got the winner with three minutes left through Chris Reid from a corner. They will now be away to Whitehaven in the semi final.

In the league, Spennymoor missed a chance to go top when they drew 2-2 at Penrith, but they are one point behind leaders Celtic Nation with three games in hand.

After Moors midfielder Keith Graydon hit the bar and had two penalty claims turned down, they went a goal down after 11 minutes when Ryan Hall scored from a Josh Richardson free kick. Moors went close again before Connor Tinnion scored the second for Penrith on 63 minutes. The Cumbrians then had striker Martyn Coleman dismissed for a foul, and that let Moors back into the game.

Chris Mason pulled one back with a volley from twelve yards, and then a mistake by the Penrith keeper allowed Andy Johnson to equalise with just a few minutes left.

West Auckland’s title hopes suffered a blow when they were beaten 3-1 at Morpeth.

Steven Anderson scored direct from a corner to put Morpeth into the lead after 5 minutes, then the same player scored the second with a 30 yarder on 36 minutes.

Morpeth scored their third two minutes later when Michael Chilton’s shot was blocked, but Stephen Forster scored from the rebound. Steven Richardson pulled a late goal back for a close to full strength West Auckland near the end.

In the second division, Heaton Stannington’s promotion hopes virtually ended when they were beaten 2-0 at Whickham.

In the Northumberland Senior Cup, Blyth beat Ashington 3-2.