HUNTSMAN skipped into the second round of the League Cup with an 8-4 over Brandon Brawns Den.

It was hardly the most convincing performance from an in-form Huntsman side, and shoddy defending nearly cost them this game against their Second Division opposition. But a brace each from striker Wayne Marram and midfielder Steve Hepples eventually allowed the Woodham club to progress. Martin Walker, Andy Clay and Dave Welsh were also on the scoresheet for the Huntsman, along with an own goal, while Chris Smith was man-of-the-match. Dean Brown, Jamie Welsh, Malcolm Penny and Peter Jackson scored for Brawns Den, with Welsh getting the MOM. Meanwhile, Pit Laddie joined Huntsman in the second round with a 2-1 win over the Boot & Shoe. John Dean and Keith Jones were on target for Laddie, while Michael Simmons scored for the Shoe. The New Masons also progressed to the second round with a comfortable 8-1 win over Laceys. Mark Palmer (2), Mark Greenwood (2), Dave Trotter, Ian Bainbridge, Damon Askew and Ian Hughes were on the scoresheet for the Masons. Joe Cole scored Laceys' goal and won the man-of-the-match. Broompark Loves' fine run of form came to a disappointing end when they were beaten 5-0 by Eldon Lane. The Loves had surged to second in Division Two with a string of wins recently, but came crashing down to earth in the League Cup. Michael Davison, Stephan McGowan, Wayne Claydon, Colin Paterson and Ian McGowan did the damage, with Paterson getting MOM for Eldon and Vincent Chatterton for Loves. Other League Cup First Round Results: Victoria 2, Brandon 3; Black Horse 5, Binchester Social 1; North Briton 2, Spennymoor Thorns 8; Masons United 2, Postchaise 1. In Division One, Old Shildon leapfrogged Huntsman into second place with a 6-2 win over Salvins. Darren Plaice and Ian Maddison both scored a brace, while Phil Appleby (MOM) and John Poulter also scored. Kevin Gillham got both goals for Salvins with Martin Longthorne winning the MOM. The Royal George beat Perstorp Croxdale 2-0 in the only other Division One fixture, with Gareth Richardson and Jeff Dixon getting the goals. Meanwhile, the Green Tree beat Binchester Hotel 5-1 in the only Division Two game last Sunday. It's back to League action for most teams this Sunday, with all eyes on the Division One top v third match (Newton Aycliffe v Huntsman), due to take place at Horndale Park playing fields in Aycliffe (10.30am kick-off). Meanwhile, the League would like to remind all clubs that anyone wanting additional tickets for the Christmas prize draw should contact chairman Brian Boughen on (01388) 811874.

Division One

P W D L F A Pts

Newton Aycliffe 9 8 0 1 45 16 24

Old Shildon 9 6 1 2 36 14 19

Huntsman 8 5 2 1 30 15 17

New Masons 6 5 1 0 21 11 16

The Grand 8 5 1 2 19 15 16

Royal George 8 4 1 3 20 21 13

Europa 7 4 0 3 21 19 12

Salvins 8 3 1 4 27 22 10

Eldon Lane 8 2 1 5 15 23 7

Laceys 8 2 1 5 16 36 7

Croxdale 8 1 0 7 12 27 3

Brandon 8 1 0 7 14 40 3

Horndale 7 0 1 6 14 32 1

Division Two

P W D L F A Pts

Spenny Thorns 9 9 0 0 39 10 27

B Loves 10 8 1 1 48 11 25

*Black Horse 9 7 1 1 46 14 22

Postchaise 11 6 1 4 31 34 19

Binchester SC 7 5 1 1 18 12 16

North Briton 11 5 0 6 35 36 15

Boot & Shoe 10 4 1 5 31 32 13

Brawns Den 9 4 0 5 28 25 12

Locomotion 9 4 0 5 30 28 12

Victoria 8 3 2 3 16 22 11

Two Blues 9 3 1 5 24 30 10

Masons United 9 2 3 4 19 24 9

Green Tree 9 3 0 6 17 29 9

Shildon Ath. 9 2 1 6 24 35 7

Binchester Hotel 11 2 0 9 17 41 6

Pit Laddie 10 2 0 8 17 49 6

*Denotes three points deducte