Darlington RA narrowly went out of the Ernest Armstrong Trophy to North Shields by 3-2 at Brinkburn Road last night.

The RA took the lead after 8 minutes when Steve Allison headed in a David Mitchell cross, but Gareth Bainbridge levelled from a left wing cross.

Mark Sims put the RA back in the lead on 56 minutes from a narrow angle, but Shields hit back when Dan Smart tapped in after Bainbridge’s shot was blocked. With three minutes left, Joe Elliott scored the winner from a free kick.

Heaton Stannington beat Thornaby with the last kick of the game, scored by Phil Smith.

In the only league game played, Brandon remain one point above the relegation zone after they were beaten 5-1 at Alnwick.

Tom Vickers scored for Alnwick after 3 minutes, and even though Stephen Moody equalized, Alnwick went on to win with further goals from Vickers (2) and Keith Douglas (2).