Shildon manager Ray Gowan blasted his team after they crashed out of the FA Carlsberg Vase 4-1 at Cammell Laird on Saturday.
Gowan believed that his team were "humiliated" and added: "We have reached a watershed in our season.
"We were let down by a number of players who just didn't rise to the occasion.
"We had an overnight stay, the field and facilities were good. The only problem was that we didn't turn up."
Shildon's defence let in two soft goals in the first half, but they got back into the game early in the second when Danny key scored.
But they were caught on the break for the last two goals.
However, some Northern League clubs were celebrating after wins on the road.
Northallerton Town beat Garforth, one level above them in the pyramid, by a single goal. Craig Bishop scored the winner with a low shot from the edge of the box, but they also missed a couple of good chances.
Manager Peter Mulcaster said: "It was our best performance of the season by a long way, and the players deserve a big pat on the back."
Northallerton have won at New Mills and Ryhope CA so far in the competition.
Billingham Synthonia had an excellent 6-2 away win at Brodsworth.
After going behind early on, Dean McGee levelled with a low shot, then Tony Wood charged down a clearance for Paul Wilson to score. Wood raced clear to give Synners a 3-1 half-time lead, and in the second half he scored another, with Wilson and McGee also chipping in.
Dunston overcame their travel problems to win 1-0 at Nelson from the North West Counties League. Darren Sankey scored the goal 12 minutes from the end following a through ball by Ben Thompson.
Guisborough won 2-1 at Yorkshire Amateurs, thanks to a late goal from Mike Jameson. Ben Walker's early goal was cancelled out in the 70th minute.
Morpeth beat the last surviving Northern alliance team, Benfield Saints. Paul Beavers and Justin Asiaman scored their goals early in the game.
Esh Winning, however, went out at home to Mossley, to a goal in each half.
Brandon won their all-Northern League game against Murton 3-0, thanks to a Dave Robson hat-trick. He scored his first just before half time when he beat two men and fired home, and early in the second he outpaced the defence to score his second. He completed his hat-trick after Mark Patterson's shot was blocked.
Brandon are hoping Sunderland will field some of their fringe first teamers when the two teams meet in the Durham Challenge Cup at Durham on Thursday night.
Horden and Ashington were all set for a replay in their tie, until deep into extra time when Stuart Jewson scored.
Andy Toman, Peterlee's new manager, tasted defeat when his depleted side lost 5-2 at home to Ossett Albion. Penrith lost 5-0 at Pontefract.
The draw for the second round is being made today with Whitley Bay, Bedlington, Consett, West Auckland, Durham, Tow Law, and Billingham Town all included.
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