Spennymoor manager Peter Quigley was full of praise for Evenwood after his team's shock defeat by the Northern League minnows in the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

Moors lost 2-1 to a team struggling near the bottom of the league, and Quigley said: "Evenwood are a bunch of honest lads who adapted better to the conditions than we did."

Bishop Auckland also had a scare against a Northern League club, but they managed to defeat Esh Winning 2-1 on Wednesday night. Bishops took the lead through Andrew Shaw after 20 minutes, but Mark Drake levelled for Esh after 38 minutes.

Danny Brunskill scored what eventually turned out to be the winner before half-time, but Esh caused Bishops several problems in the second half. Former Bishop keeper Steve Jones, who has been playing for Thornaby in the Northern League, has signed for UniBond League club Barrow.

Former Newcastle United full-back John Beresford made his debut for Ossett Town in their First Division match against Guiseley.

Spennymoor have failed in an attempt to sign Guisborough midfielder Darren Mowbray.

Mowbray has starred for Guisborough this season as they have climbed into the top eight of the Northern League table after a slow start. And Moors boss Peter Quigley submitted the required seven days notice of approach for him. But after talks, the player has turned down the possibility of a switch to the UniBond League.

Bishop Auckland still have a good chance of progressing to the last eight of the UniBond League Cup after they beat Gateshead 2-1. Jonathan Milroy and Andrew Shaw scored in the first half, with Steve Preen replying.

Whitby's poor home league form continued when they lost 4-0 at home to Gainsborough. Whitby have been drawn with neighbours Scarborough in the last qualifying round of the FACup.

UniBond League Cup group stage

P W D L F A Pts

Blyth 2 2 0 0 6 1 6

Spennymoor 2 1 0 1 4 2 3

Bishop Auckland 2 1 0 1 3 5 3

Gateshead 3 1 0 2 4 6 3

Gretna 1 0 0 1 0 3 0