The League broke new ground on Saturday when they travelled to play Liverpool County Combination in the second round of the FA National League System Cup, a competition open to all Level Four Leagues in the Country. The winners will represent England in Europe.

Unfortunately, the Wearside League lost 3-1 in extra time despite taking a first minute lead.

It was a dream start for the visitors when Richard Hore was fouled and David Little hammered in the free-kick.

The advantage lasted only six minutes, however, as Liverpool equalised with a header by Alex Bishop.

In the early stages of the second period, the Wearside League pressed and were almost rewarded but Craig Johnson's header was brilliantly saved.

At the other end, it took an equally impressive stop by Neil Smith to keep out a goalbound shot by Brian Burns.

The game went into extra time and two goals in the first seven minutes finished the game.

Team: Neil Smith (Harton and Westoe), Mark Radmore (Darlington RA) (Gareth Richardson) (Wolviston), Andy Stokes (North Shields), David Little (North Shields), Martin Brown (Darlington RA), Paul Kreczak (Wolviston), Richard Hore (Stokesley SC), Steve Hamil (North Shields), Craig Johnson (Stokesley SC), Simon Colligan (Wolviston), David Dowd (Wolviston), David Brown (New Marske).