Holders Spennymoor came back from 2-1 down to win 5-2 at West Auckland and move into the last eight of the Durham Challenge Cup last night.

The game turned on a second half dismissal. Moors took the lead through Steve Richardson’s 20 yarder on 26 minutes, but West hit back at the start of the second half. John Campbell scored direct from a free kick, and then he converted a cross from Mattie Moffat on 52 minutes. But West sub Matthew Coad was dismissed for two yellow cards on 54 minutes, and Moors took advantage by equalising through Chris Mason’s header from a free kick.

Richardson put them in front with a shot from the edge of the box, then West were reduced to nine men when Mark Stephenson was red carded for a foul. Richardson then went on to complete his hat trick, with former West player Micky Rae grabbing the fifth from the edge of the box.

Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley said: "First of all, I was just delighted that we got a game in after the horrendous weather, and it will certainly do the lads a world of good. We showed great character to come back from 2-1 down although the sending off helped us. I was delighted for Speedy to grab a hat trick and Micky Rae who took his goal extremely well."

West manager Peter Dixon said: "The sending off changed the game, but I was delighted with our spirit."

In the ENL, Billingham Town are still in the bottom three after they were beaten 4-2 at home by Ashington.

The visitors took an early two goal lead through Andrew Johnson and Phil Bell, and even though Nicky Martin pulled a goal back and then missed a good chance for the equalizer, Ashington went 4-2 up thanks to two goals by Glen Taylor. Harrison Davies pulled a late goal back.

Ashington assistant manager Perry Briggs said: "It was a good reaction off the lads after Saturday. We played some good football, and there were some tired legs at the end, but we got through it. The only downside was losing Gareth Bainbridge with a dislocated shoulder."