Second Division Chester-le-Street sprang a big surprise in the Northern League cup when they beat FA Cup heroes Ashington last night.

Scott Swanston was the matchwinner for Chester after 76 minutes from a Ben Johnson cross after Michael Coghlan had earlier hit the bar for Chester, who hadn’t previously won in seven games under new manager Anth Smith.

Smith said: "That win has been coming, because we've been steadily improving over the last few games. I told the players before the game that the honeymoon period was over, because they've all been given time to prove themselves. We've got to build on that now in the league."

Second Division West Allotment knocked out first division Jarrow Roofing on penalties, after the sides had drawn 3-3 after extra time. Allotment manager Paul Stoneman said: "I was really pleased to get the win which our play and workrate deserved. However, we would have much preferred to have avoided extra time as some of our lads are looking really tired at the moment. We are all ready for a free midweek to recharge our batteries."

Crook striker Andy Appleby celebrated his return to the club by scoring the winner for them in extra time at Seaham Red Star. Richard Hodgson earlier put Crook ahead, with Kevin Gordon equalising for Seaham. Seaham manager Steve Cook said: "After a hugely below par first half, we responded by playing some good attacking football and we should have scored more than one goal. To lose in extra time is disappointing, but a number of positives to take out of the game which perhaps should have included a place in the next round." Crook joint manager Paul Adamson said: "We showed a bit of character, because Seaham equalised right at the end of the 90 minutes. It was pleasing the way we came back in extra time. Andy Appleby looked lively, the goal will do wonders for his confidence."

Dunston comfortably beat Tow Law 4-0 at the UTS Stadium, with Andy Bulford scoring twice. Tow Law manager Ian Davison said: "It was a typical Tow Law midweek performance. We played well as a unit on Saturday, but we were all over the place tonight."

Dunston manager Billy Irwin said: "WE played some good stuff. We deserved our win, and I'm pleased with the performance."

In the second division, Birtley easily beat struggling Whitehaven 4-0 to go third in the table and are unbeaten in their last six league and cup games. Birtley manager Scott Oliver said: "It was a poor first half, but a good second. We aren't eye catching but we're getting results."

STL Northern League Division One.

Penrith v Shildon postponed, waterlogged pitch.

Division Two Birtley 4 (Telford 2, Smith, Smart) Whitehaven 0.

Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup.

Ashington 0 Chester-le-Street 1 (Swanston), Dunston 4 (Dixon, Bulford 2, Craggs) Tow Law 0, Jarrow Roofing 3 (Hughes 2, Scott) West Allotment 3 (Fenwick, Minto, McIvor) West Allotment won 4-2 on pens, Seaham Red Star 1 (Gordon) Crook Town 2 (Hodgson, Appleby) (aet).