THREE of the League Cup favourites made no mistakes in their second round clashes last week.
Newton Aycliffe, Old Shildon and Thorns all skipped into the quarter-finals of the competition comfortably, with Tudhoe United and Second Division Victoria also qualifying for the last eight.
A hat-trick by Dave Muir and two from Craig Barrigan ensured Aycliffe's passage to the next round.
"It was a fairly comfortable win," admitted assistant manager Craig Murray. "But we played well and won our battles in midfield. The competition is getting closer and closer to the final now, so we're excited to see who we'll get in the next round.
"There are still some excellent sides left in the League Cup and this year's promises to be closer than ever."
Current holders of the League Cup - Old Shildon - are looking to retain the trophy.
And they took another step towards achieving that aim with a comfortable 4-0 win over Division Two side Postchaise.
Goals by Paul Shaw (2), Kevin Russell and John Poulter bagging the tie gave Shildon their victory.
Secretary Sharron Hedley said: "It was a fairly comfortable win, despite the difficult conditions, and we're hoping to continue our run in the League Cup and take it to the final, where we can hopefully retain it."
Thorns went through with a 7-1 win over Binchester Social Club - Steven Richardson (2), Mark Russell (2), Steven Smith, Anthony Stewart and Andrew Richardson were all on the scoresheet.
Tudhoe United beat Boot & Shoe 2-1, with goals by Billy McClacklin and Christian Schofield, while Victoria qualified by winning a penalty shoot-out 4-2 after drawing 2-2 with Binchester Hotel. Kyley Wright and Jason Greenland scored for the Vic, with Craig Smith and David Leary netting for Binny.
Meanwhile, Division Two side Eldon Arms claimed the Division One scalp of Broompark Loves in the first round of the competition, beating them 1-0.
Tony Iverson headed home from a corner just before half-time - and Eldon held on for a memorable win.
"We're delighted with the result," said Secretary John Bloxsom. "We began the game the better side, but then it evened itself out during the course of the first half, and we were lucky enough to take the lead through a well-taken goal by Tony.
"The second half was backs-the-walls stuff, with Loves really putting us under pressure. But we limited them to shots from outside the box, and defended well, so very pleased with the win." Eldon take on Two Blues in the second round of the cup.
The five who have proceeded to the quarter-finals are: Thorns, Tudhoe United, Victoria, Old Shildon and Newton Aycliffe. Outstanding first round games are: Grand/Lakeside v Salvins, Cumby Arms v Masons United and Two Blues v Eldon Arms.
In Division Two last week, Horndale maintained their good form with another win - this time a 4-3 victory over Two Blues.
Adrian Gough grabbed two and Wayne Pratt and Scott Mason one a-piece to ensure the three points, with Lee Nixon, Michael Walker and Timmy Hutchinson scoring for the Blues.
Elsewhere, Green Tree thrashed North Briton 10-1 with goals by Barry Liddle (3), Darren Rutter (2, Sean Thompson, Andrew Rogers, John Mills, Ian Richardson and Andy Carrick.
Results round-up, Sunday, December 8, Division Two: Horndale 4, Two Blues 3; North Briton 1, Green Tree 10.
League Cup R1: Eldon Arms 1, Loves 0.
League Cup R2: Postchaise 0, Old Shildon 4; Newton Aycliffe 5, Brawns Den 0; Thorns 7, Binchester Social Club 1; Tudhoe Utd 2, Boot & Shoe 1; Victoria 2, Binchester Hotel 2 (Victoria win 4-2 on pens).
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