New Marske made the best possible response to a seven-goal drubbing the previous week when they shocked high-flying North Shields in the second round of the League Cup at Ralph Gardner Park.

Not even an 11th minute goal for the home side could stop the Seasiders' who took the tie into extra time before celebrating a 2-1 victory.

Early on though it did not look good for New Marske. The Robins twice went close before taking the lead as David Little hammered the ball past Lee Lucas following a free-kick.

More chances followed for Shields but New Marske gradually came into the picture and equalised with a thunderous shot from Tim Hood in the 72nd minute.

The visitors twice survived as Steve Hamil had efforts disallowed for offside and more controversy followed when the home side appealed in vain against a penalty awarded for hands. Ian Johnson made no mistake from the spot and New Marske celebrated reaching the third round.

So too did leaders Birtley Town, who maintained their challenge for a League and Cup double. Carl Pennington scored twice in the opening 20 minutes at Ryhope CW who fell further behind to Jason Jones before Alan Surtees temporarily raised their hopes which ended when Philip Makel made the score 4-1.

Stokesley SC, who are also involved in the race for the title, comfortably defeated Windscale. Their hero was Jonathan Newton, who struck a hat-trick and Robert Donnelly also netted in a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

Cleadon SC just had the edge on Boldon CA in the local-derby. Paul Dixon put them in front and although the home side challenged for an equaliser, it was Cleadon who scored again through Andrew Potts.

A game of fluctuating fortunes at Metcalf Park ended with Wolviston defeating Jarrow 3-2. Michael Diciccio scored for the home side but by the break, the visitors were in front with strikes by Dean Patton and Mark Lally (penalty).

David Dowd squared the scores in the 65th minute and Andy Steele booked Wolviston's third round passage with the winner ten minutes from time.

Darlington RA conceded two first-half goals to Ryan Woods at Whitehaven and although Mark Radmore pulled a goal back on the hour, RA made their exit from the competition.

Barnard Castle Glaxo also went down despite scoring three times at home. Darren Harrison, Stephen Purcival and John Williams kept them in the game until the final whistle but Gateshead Reserves held on for a 4-3 result. Their goals came from Neil Shotton, Richard Kemp, Simon Reay and Ben Adusi.