Annfield Plain manager Kevin Drinkeld was far from despondent although his

side lost in the Albany Durham Challenge Cup at the weekend.

Albany Northern League outfit Tow Law finished 3-1 winners but Drinkeld was proud of his team's performance.

"The game was evenly contested for the first half hour but then we conceded a couple of goals before the interval. We fought our way back into the tie when Chris Nevin found the net and from then on, it was all to play for. The Lawyers' third goal, however, was a killer punch and there was no way back," said Drinkeld. Now, the manager will turn his attentions to improving the Plain's position near the foot of the Wearside League.

"If we play in the league as we did against Tow Law, we will soon be in the top half of the table. Following a disastrous start to the season, we have played much better in recent weeks and now have five league victories under our belts," said Drinkeld.

The league's longest serving manager and a former Newcastle United star were both called into action by Stanley United when they played Dunston Fed in the

Durham Challenge Cup at Hilltop.

Vince Kirkup, who will shortly celebrate his 50th birthday, played first game of the season and Alan Shoulder, 47, made a rare appearance.

It was not a happy experience for either, however, since Stanley lost 4-0 and Shoulder was sent off, along with Dunston's Paul Brown, with 15 minutes remaining.

Kirkup was pleased to renew acquaintance with Frank Rankin, who now follows the Fed.

"Frank played 13 years for Stanley and was manager for three seasons before I took over. I have great admiration for him and I was very pleased to see him back at Hilltop," Kirkup said.

Boldon CA also exited the Durham Challenge Cup at the weekend leaving only Nissan to fly the flag in the next round. Shotton Comrades won 5-1 but Boldon manager David Jones didn't feel the score was a fair reflection of the game.

"We played well until the last 15 minutes and although Shotton were the better side and deserved to win we were in with a chance until the late stages.

"I was not disappointed with our performance although our defence wilted at the end and conceded some poor goals.

At that stage we were pushing forward in an effort to take the tie into extra time and in those circumstances a side often leaves itself vulnerable at the back," said Jones.

Ryhope CW secretary George McKitterick enthused about his team's victory at Cleadon SC in the near bottom-of-the-table clash.

"We played very well and took our chances. There was not much between us at 2-1 but Peter Benson increased our lead and a couple of late goals by youngster Willie Crew earned us three crucial points.

Birtley Town's Guy Bone will not play again this season after breaking a leg in the game withThornaby-on- Tees. He was taken to hospital and had a pin inserted from his knee down his shin.

"It was a very bad break and apparently the pin will be in place for at least 18 months. I feel sorry for Guy and his absence is a big blow to us," said Birtley secretary Ray Melling.

Birtley are hoping the result will stand. They were winning 5-2 with seven minutes remaining when the game was abandoned.

"There is a league management committee meeting Tuesday and it seems likely that we will be awarded the three points, added Melling.