FA Vase weeds out the field as league sides fall early

The FA Vase took a heavy toll on Northern League clubs this week, and the manner of several exits told its own story. Whitley Bay, once regular conquerors of this competition, lost 2-1 at home to Division Two's Darlington Town, Nathan Stephenson curling in a late free kick against his former club after Mackenzie Sharpe had cancelled out an early Max Craggs goal. Manager Jay Bates did not dress it up. "Very disappointing," he said, adding that his side lacked the "heart and desire" shown by their opponents and promising changes for the trip to Kendal Town.

Marske United suffered similarly at Jarrow, falling three goals behind inside twenty minutes through a Stephen Siyanbola hat-trick before Finn McKittrick's return from injury produced a consolation goal. Manager Paul Burton was blunt about the collapse, his second inside ten days following an earlier one at Thornaby. "I don't think disappointing is even the right word to use for that," he said. "We caused our own downfall." Newcastle Blue Star also exited, beaten 3-0, with Paul Brayson offering what the club called an honest assessment, while Birtley Town went out on penalties after a 2-2 draw and Redcar Town lost to Penrith despite a late goal.

Not every Step 5 side struggled. Bishop Auckland continued their run with a 3-1 win at Knaresborough Town, Stevie Johnson praising the character shown on a difficult pitch, and followed it with a 2-1 league win at Carlisle City through goals from Gary Martin and Lee Hume. They have since been drawn at home to Newton Aycliffe in the first round proper. Shildon thrashed Garstang 5-0, with Joe Posthill among the scorers, and will host Handsworth in the next round. Blyth Town progressed too, and have been drawn at home to Bottesford Town, while also announcing the signing of former Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson, who said he was "delighted to sign for the club" after being welcomed by manager Michael Connor.

Away from the Vase, Redcar Town's FA Cup tie against Darlington has been selected for live BBC Sport coverage. Joint manager Mitch Morris called it "an unbelievable draw for the club" and "undoubtedly our biggest day" at the Neeform, while James Smuk reflected on the run so far, from beating Blyth Spartans to preparing for a Step 2 opponent. Both men were careful to stress that Penrith and Easington Colliery in the league remained the priority before Saturday's tie.