Bishop Auckland were proud in defeat after they went out of the League Cup by the odd goal in five in their semi-final at Droylsden on Saturday.

Bishops lost 3-2 after matching their opponents for most of the game, but sloppy defending let them down.

Manager Brian Honour said: "We were fantastic, and I'm very proud of the players.

"We were the better side in the first half, and it was a hammer blow when they went into the lead.

"But we kept on going right to the end, and nearly forced extra time."

Bishops had a couple of good chances before Droylsden, pushing for the Premier Division title, took the lead just before half time, when Dave Cameron scored from a right wing cross.

Bishops battled back in the second half, and levelled after 52 minutes when Neil Maddison crossed for Stuart Irvine to head home at the far post.

But then a poor backpass by Craig Robson let in Danny Byrne to put Droylsden 2-1 up, and then Nicky Scaife was caught in possession, and Byrne headed another.

Bishops, however, pulled a goal back when Irvine scored from the spot following a handball offence.

Bishops are at home in the league to Gateshead tonight at Dean Street, and Honour expects to choose from a full squad, possibly with full back Chris Mason added to it. The youngster was on the bench with Darlington on Saturday.

Spennymoor suffered yet another home defeat when they were beaten 2-0 by Southport at the Brewery Field.

Southport striker Neil Robinson, on loan from Macclesfield, scored a goal in each half, but Spennymoor manager Tony Lee said: "We're struggling to score goals.

"Our approach play is very good, but we're in a situation in which we need to score the first goal to have a chance of winning matches.

"We need to get out of the losing habit.

"The players need to show more passion to try and turn things around."

Having lost ten home League games Moors are now 18th, three points behind the top 13 promotion places, and there is a growing possibility they could be groundsharing with Bishop Auckland in the same division next season.

Whitby are on course for a top 13 spot after they won 3-1 at Stalybridge.

Anthony Ormerod scored twice for Whitby in the first half, one a brilliant individual effort, and after Stalybridge had a man sent off and pulled a goal back, sub Scott Nicholson made sure for Whitby.

Blyth drew 1-1 at Bradford PA, Anthony Woodhouse scoring.

Gateshead drew 1-1 at Belper in the First Division, Paul Thompson scoring their goal from the penalty spot.