FA VASE AND NORTHERN LG

WHICKHAM manager Lee Haldane remained defiant in defeat after his side’s FA Vase run came to a close with a defeat at Emley.

The Lang Jacks travelled to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground looking to avoid becoming the third Northern League club to fall to a Vase defeat against their hosts this season.

However, it was the Northern Counties East League side that will take their place today’s quarter-final draw after second-half goals from Charlie Banks and James Walsall gave them a 2-0 win over Haldane’s side.

Whickham will now focus their attention on tomorrow’s Durham Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Newton Aycliffe before returning to Northern League action with a home game against Guisborough Town on Saturday afternoon.

Despite dreams of a first return to Wembley since 1981 being over for another year, Haldane was left feeling nothing but pride over the efforts on and off the pitch.

He said: “The lads tried their hardest and two mistakes have cost us.

“We left it all out on the pitch, which is what we asked for. We didn’t get the drop of the ball but when they did, they put it away. It’s really fine margins but I am so proud of this club and these lads. The fans back us, they travelled in great numbers so I am gutted we couldn’t get the job done for them – but this isn’t the end, this is just the start.”

Division One leaders Bishop Auckland took the honours in their local derby with West Auckland Town and continued their push for promotion into the Northern Premier League.

Dean Thexton fired the Two Blues in front on the midway point of the firsthalf but in-form youngster Oscar Fletcher got the visitors back on level terms five minutes later.

However, it would be the current frontrunners that sealed all three points with a second-half strike from Louis Johnson.

Shildon continue to lead the chasing pack after they romped to a big home win against Carlisle City.

Billy Greulich-smith led the way for the Railwaymen as he grabbed a brace and Leighton Harris, Joe Posthill, Alex White and Brad Hird also found the net.

Robert Mccartney got a consolation goal for the visitors.

Boro Rangers leapt into the play-off spots as second-half goals from Stuart Rose and Daniel Lofts helped their side to a 2-0 win at Penrith.

Chester-le-street United took the honours at Sunderland West End in the only Division Two fixture to take place.

Ryan O’connor and Michael

Nelson put the visitors in control with two goals in the opening 20 minutes Bailey Judson got West End back into the game midway through the second half.