City are beaten easily in replay; NON-LEAGUE ROUND-UP.

Byline: MALCOLM PRATT 

DURHAM City avoided defeat for the first time this season on Saturday when they twice equalised at Horden CW in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, but they were well beaten in last night's replay.

The Skilltrainingltd Northern League First Division side, with just two wins in six games, proved too strong for City's youngsters and the tie was effectively settled in the opening half hour.

Durham made the worst possible start, conceding two goals in eight minutes. Craig Hubbard burst through the City defence and although goalkeeper Richard O'Brien saved, his kick landed at the feet of Mark Scott whose long-range effort flashed into the net.

Almost immediately Durham were chasing the game. Darren Atkinson skipped across the edge of the penalty area before laying the ball off to Kevin Devine and he had no difficulty beating O'Brien.

City battled hard to stay in the game but it was just about all over as Horden's relentless pressure was rewarded with a third goal in the 29th minute. Neil Campbell was the provider for Hubbard who produced a clinical finish.

Durham gave themselves a lifeline in the 75th minute. A corner caused problems for the Horden defence and Max Stoker bundled the ball home.

The Colliers though were not unduly troubled in the final stages but took a blow in stoppage time when Neil Campbell was shown a second yellow card. Bedlington Terriers were always in the ascendancy against Darlington RA in the First Round of the Skilltrainingltd Northern League Cup at Welfare Park.

RA, produced a spirited display which belied their lowly position and it was not until the 39th minute that the deadlock was broken.

Bedlington dictated the game from kick-off and had chances to score before Scott Robson finally found the net, driving wide of Sam Pybus.

Midway through the second half David Southern beat two players on the by-line and with defenders expecting a cross, he rifled the ball into the top of the net from an acute angle.

Former Newcastle Blue Star player manager Steve Bowey then showed his class, completing the scoring with an excellent header.

North Shields' five-match winning sequence ended at Newton Aycliffe who went through into the Second Round with a 4-2 victory.

Joshua Knox fired past Robins' goalkeeper Michael Robinson from outside the penalty area and in the 16th minute Danny Mellenby doubled his side's lead. Andrew Hay reduced the deficit but Aycliffe regained a two-goals advantage with a second strike from Mellenby.

With five minutes remaining, Chris Hunt put the visitors back in the game but a minute from time, Anthony Campbell ended their hopes.

Sunderland RCA conceded their first points of the season but still enjoy a three-point advantage at the top of the Second Division.

Crook Town, in sixth position, deservedly held the free-scoring Wearsiders to a goalless draw. RCA's Harrison Davies was sent off near the end.

Last season, Washington's very existence was in serious doubt and they languished near the bottom of the table but they are up to seventh after defeating Thornaby at Albany Park.

Peter Watling, a regular marksman, headed in a left-wing cross from Glen Reay on 14 minutes but it was not until the 86th minute that Scott Emmerson lobbed goalkeeper Patrick Pisani.

At this stage, a comfortable win for the Newtowners looked likely but in the 89th minute Karl Garside beat goalkeeper Ben Starford from the penalty spot.

Washington though held on during stoppage time.

MALCOLM PRATT