Consett have run into form at the right time. A rich vein has coincided with their entry into the FA Vase and they could prove a dark horse in the competition.

They have reached the fourth round for the second successive season and have struck a consistent note.

That's been largely brought about by having a settled squad with players returning from injury, including striker Colin McLeod, following a knee operation.

The experienced McLeod was making his seventh appearance - including one as a substitute - in last Saturday's 3-0 third round home win over Heanor Town.

But he scored one of the goals and had a hand in another, giving him two for the season.

McLeod has been leading scorer in seven of his nine seasons at Belle Vue, averaging a goal almost every two games - and that takes into account the fact that he has made only seven appearances this season.

He has made a total of 415 appearances for the club and scored 206 goals.

The Steelmen will now entertain St Helens Town from the North West Counties League on January 20.

The Northern League side have already beaten Mossley from the same league to reach the fourth round.

St Helens, third in the table, suffered their second league defeat last Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at home by second-placed Clitheroe.

They have the second best defensive record, conceding 15 goals in 16 matches, bettered only by leaders Prescot Cables, 12 in 16.

But the return to form is not all down to McLeod. Central defender David Gray has missed quite a chunk of the season while midfield player Gary Cowley has been out for a couple of spells.

Colin Carr, in his 13th season as manager, said: "Defensively we are quite a solid unit and that's the reason why we have done well."

And to emphasise the point, Consett have not conceded a goal in their last three games - by far their best run of the season.

They have also won six of their last seven games - in sharp contrast to the previous 16 games which brought five wins.

Cautious Carr added: "There's a long way to go in the Vase - but a little bit less distance after Saturday.

"If we can get our best team then we're quite strong but we do not have the strength in depth of such teams as Bedlington and Dunston or some of the other top teams in the league."