FORMER Middlesbrough star Dean Gordon was an instant hit as he inspired Crook to a 4-0 win over Billingham Town in the FA Vase second round on Saturday - but he might not be at the Millfield for the next round.

Gordon opened the scoring and set up two more for the ANL Second Division side, but he starts a trial with League One side Barnsley today.

Crook manager Alan Oliver said: "Dean was quick and strong, and made a big difference to us. He was always a threat on the left, and is a very good addition to the side. Obviously we're worried about him leaving."

Gordon (32), who played in the Football League last season for Grimsby, said: "I was happy to get 90 minutes under my belt, because it was my first game for a few weeks.

"I was under pressure to do well, and I thought I did myself justice. I was pleased we got through into the next round.

"I think I've still got something to offer, so I'm going to Barnsley today, but I want to help Crook as well."

Crook took control of the game when Billingham defender Andy Burton was sent off for a professional foul on Phil McGuire, and Gordon's free-kick went through the wall and under keeper Darren Collier. He then created the second with a cross from the left for Paul Stout, who headed home.

Crook made sure in the last 20 minutes. Roy Allen raced clear from the halfway line to score the third, then Gordon opened up the defence for him to get the fourth.

Crook are joined in the next round by three other ANL clubs. Dunston had a good 3-1 win at St Helens after going an early goal down.

The North West Counties League side took an early lead through Joe Gibilru, but Dunston levelled when Graeme Armstrong burst through the defence and fired past the home keeper.

Kane Young volleyed Dunston into the lead a minute before half-time, then Armstrong pulled the ball back for Steve Pickering to score the third from ten yards after 72 minutes.

Newcastle Benfield BP easily disposed of Thornaby 5-1. Shaun Bell put them in front after eight minutes with a deflected shot, then he got the second from a Stephen Young assist. Neil Campbell pulled one back from the spot for Thornaby, but Micky Chilton made it 3-1 following a mistake in the Thornaby defence.

Chilton set up Bell to complete his hat-trick midway through the second half, then Chilton completed the rout from the spot.

Sunderland Nissan and Bedlington try again on Wednesday night after the pair drew 3-3.

Nissan led early on when Gavin Cogdon dribbled through and scored with a left foot shot, then David Tait lobbed Bedlington keeper Ben Escritt for the second.

But Bedlington showed why they are the ANL leaders by bouncing back in the last 15 minutes. Steve Preen pulled a goal back from a Gareth McAlindon pass, then Robbie Cockburn levelled.

The Terriers went 3-2 up in extra-time through veteran Dean Gibb, but Cogdon grabbed a replay when he found the top corner with just five minutes left. Cogdon also hit the bar in the dying seconds.

Billingham Synthonia were furious with the referee after going out 5-4 at Liversedge. They had a first-half goal disallowed and last minute claims for a penalty for a foul on Paul Campbell were turned down.

Synners led with a header by Craig Lake, and after Liversedge equalised, had a Tony Wood goal ruled out just before half-time.

After Liversedge took the lead just after half-time, Synners came back to lead 3-2 with a David Wells shot, and then a header by Micky Dunwell.

But then the NCEL side came back to draw level by the end of normal time, and then went 5-3 up in extra-time.

But with five minutes left, Colin Iley scored from a Neil Radigan free-kick, and in the last minute Synners claimed that Campbell was fouled, and Dunwell was dismissed for his protests.

West Allotment were on the brink of an upset at Skelmersdale where they led 3-1 midway through the second half, but they went down 4-3.

Stuart Rudd put Skelmersdale into the lead, but Mark Rasmussen, Andy Hay and David Potts put Allotment 3-1 up before Skelmersdale's late rally.

Jarrow Roofing, who did so well to reach the semi-finals last season, went out 3-0 at Thackley, with all the goals coming in the second half.

Norton's game at Colne was postponed, and has been rearranged for Wednesday night.

The draw for the third round will be made this morning.