Stephen Caldwell threw Wolviston a late lifeline but Birtley Town held on for a narrow victory in the second round of the Wearside League Cup on Saturday.

There was never much between the sides but Birtley scored first seven minutes before the interval when Tony Thirkell struck. The Teessiders took the game to their hosts at every opportunity but fell further behind on the hour as Thirkell again found the net.

Wolviston though were far from beaten and when Caldwell reduced the deficit an exciting final ten minutes ensued. Birtley managed to hold and reach the third round.

So too did Coxhoe Athletic who were comfortable 3-0 winners over Harton and Westoe. The South Durham side, playing their first game for some time, soon broke the deadlock through Don Williams and when Lee Atkinson added a second goal on the hour, the visitors had a mountain to climb.

It was all over 20 minutes from the end as Gary Turton completed the scoring for Coxhoe, who continue to enjoy an excellent first season in the league.

A hat-trick from Mark Johnson was the feature of a 3-1 victory for Cleadon SC against Windscale at Jack Clark Park. There was an early shock though as the Cumbrians went in front courtesy of Mark Young before Johnson rifled three goals inside ten minutes midway through the first period.

An only goal by Craig Robson on the stroke of half time was sufficient for Whitehaven at Boldon CA who played the entire second half with only ten men after the dismissal of Mark Williams.

Stokesley SC produced the biggest score of the day but they only had ten men to contend with as Gateshead Reserves encountered problems en route. The result was never in doubt and Nathan Haslam (2), Harrison Davies, David Grainge, Richard Mills, Stephen Pennock and John Humberstone enjoyed a pre-Christmas seven-goal romp.

Following a dour goal-less draw, Ryhope CW won 4-3 on penalties at New Marske. The ties between Cleator Moor Celtic and Shotton Comrades and Washington Nissan UK against Darlington RA will be played at later dates.

Only one league match was scheduled but Annfield Plain were spared the journey to Sport Catterick because the ground was waterlogged.

RESULTS: Wearside League: Sport Catterick v Annfield Plain, postponed.

Wearside League Cup Second Round: Birtley Town 2, Wolviston 1; Boldon CA 0, Whitehaven 1; Cleadon SC 3, Windscale 1; Coxhoe Athletic 3, Harton and Westoe 0; New Marske 0, Ryhope CW 0 (aet, Ryhope won 4-3 on penalties); Stokesley SC 7, Gateshead Reserves 0; Cleator Moor Celtic v Shotton Comrades, Washington Nissan UK v Darlington RA - postponed.