Northern League clubs make their mark in the FA Vase first round proper

The FA Vase provided the spine of the week's news across the Northern League, with several clubs reaching territory they had not seen in decades. Boldon C.A. announced they had reached the First Round Proper for the first time in 46 years, a milestone the club called "a testament to all involved this season". They have since been drawn at home to local rivals Jarrow, a tie pencilled in for 10 October, and have been busy off the pitch too, unveiling new sponsored matchday polo shirts for next season and supporting the If U Care Share Inside Out mental health campaign.

Darlington Town also secured a landmark Vase win. Goals from Max Craggs and Nathan Stephenson saw off Whitley Bay, described by the club as "1st Division opposition", in front of a crowd of 405 to send Town into the First Round Proper for the first time under that name. They have been drawn away to North West Counties Premier Division side FC St Helens, a fixture the club called "arguably the clubs biggest game in our history" and are already planning a supporters' coach. Amid the Vase excitement, Darlington Town also confirmed the signings of Reece Marsden from Billingham Town, Tyler Richardson from West Auckland, and Ben Jackson, who thanked Marske for their help in the deal.

Jarrow enjoyed their own Vase highlight the previous week, beating Marske United 3-1 at Perth Green, with Stephen Siyanbo scoring a hat-trick inside 19 minutes. That win sent them through to face Boldon.

Not every Vase story ended in celebration. Billingham Town advanced only after a 1-1 draw and a 7-6 penalty shootout, a tie described by opponents Ryton & Crawcrook Albion as an agonising way to exit. Grangetown Boys Club, by contrast, went out, losing at the death to step 5 opposition. Seaton Carew also exited the competition after their first appearance in the Vase in the club's history, a trip to Holker Old Boys that ended in defeat.

Away from the Vase, league business continued. AFC Newbiggin beat Chester Le Street Town 4-2 to complete a home and away double, while Alnwick Town won 1-0 away at Billingham Synthonia in a match that saw Antonio Agostinho make his 50th appearance for the club. Ryton & Crawcrook Albion beat AFC Newbiggin 2-1 through Glenn Caygill and Louis Calvert, and Hartlepool won 1-0 at Grayfields against Sunderland RCA courtesy of a late Callum Young strike.