Tow Law earned a home tie with Newcastle Blue Star in the FA Cup preliminary round this Saturday following a 2-0 home win over St Helens.

Lawyers had to work hard for victory against the North West Counties League side, and nearly took a half time lead when Darren Darwent's header was well saved.

However, Peter Maughan put them in front just after the interval when he ran through and rounded the keeper, then Andy McKenna set up Nigel Bolton to tap in the second.

However, midfielder Kevin McGarrigle was carried off with a broken bone in a foot.

West Auckland, who reached the first round proper two years ago, won 2-1 at Squires Gate. They never looked back after they Stephen West fired them in front after five minutes, and they went two up after 62 minutes when Dale Anderson scored from the spot after Jonathan Milroy had been fouled. The Blackpool side pulled a late goal back.

South Shields are also through after a 2-1 win over Garforth. Steve Johnson put them in front after six minutes and Micky Rogers added the second midway through the second half.

Guisborough face a trip across country on Tuesday night to replay at Chadderton after the two sides drew 1-1. Scott Bell headed a late equaliser for Guisborough.

Willington interested in the competition was shortlived, beaten 3-0 at Brigg Town.

l In the UniBond League, Spennymoor are still without a win in three matches after Barrow came from behind to win 3-2 at the Brewery Field.

It was a game of mixed fortunes for Moors, whose manager Peter Mulcaster admitted: "If we were four or five down at half time, we couldn't have had any complaints.

"But I was really pleased with the way we tightened up in the second half. We might be short of quality, but there are still plenty of good points."

Neil Doherty put Barrow ahead with a free kick just before half time, but Moors bounced back when Rob Jones volleyed in a free kick from Craig Veart.

Moors took the lead after an hour, when Ross Foreman converted another free kick from Veart.

But in a see-saw struggled Barrow floored Moors. Nicky Peverell headed in a corner, then Steve Housam grabbed the winner

Whitby were held to a 2-2 draw by Altrincham. After Whitby fell behind early on, former Darlington player Neil Radigan set up the equaliser from a corner kick which Mark Taylor headed in and then Radigan fired Whitby ahead after 33 minutes. However, Altrincham levelled midway through the second half.

Gateshead lost their second game of the season, going down 2-0 at Lancaster City. Blyth Spartans were thrashed 6-2 at Hyde United, Glen Robson scoring both Blythgoals.

l GOALKEEPER Phil Naisbett, who ended last season with Moors, has joined Exeter City on a short-term deal. The former Sunderland trainee, who spent time with Scarborough last season, travelled to the south west on Saturday to watch his new side draw 1-1 with Hartlepool. City boss Noel Blake has drafted him in as cover for injured Arjan van Heusden.