Shildon reached their second cup final of the season when they beat Dunston UTS 1-0 in the semi final of the Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup tonight.

The Railwaymen had the edge on chances in the first half, and they broke through three minutes into the second half when Mark Doninger, who scored in the Durham Challenge Cup win last Friday, fired against the post, but the ball rebounded off Dunston keeper Liam Connell into the net.

After Shildon keeper Lewis Graham saved from Dave Coulson, Shildon nearly made it 2-0 but Billy Greulich-Smith was just wide.

There were chances at both ends after that, but Shildon held on with Graham pulling off a good save in the last minute, and kept their hopes of a trophy treble alive.

The winners will play either Newton Aycliffe or Ashington in the final. Ashington have allegedly played an ineligible player in their 3-1 win last week, and the game could be awarded to Aycliffe at the league meeting on Thursday night.

In the first division of the ENL, Bishop Auckland beat Celtic Nation 2-1 at Heritage Park.

Bishops took the lead after 36 minutes when Kyle Davis scored in a goalmouth scramble following Glen Lane’s free kick, then Jordan Lavery fired his second goal in as many games on 69 minutes. Aaron Roberts pulled a late goal back from the penalty spot for the Nation.

Sunderland RCA still aren’t entirely safe from relegation after they were comfortably beaten 4-0 at home by Ashington. Glen Taylor (2), Tony Stephenson and Dylan Williamson scored for Ashington.

In the second division, champions Seaham Red Star drew 1-1 at Chester-le-Street. Liam McBryde gave Seaham the lead with a fifth minute penalty, but Chester levelled through Glen Hargrave.

Tow Law drew 1-1 with Willington, which means that they could still be overtaken by bottom club Brandon. Brazilian Gus de Silva scored for Tow Law, after Michael Gibson had opened the scoring for Willington.