Northern League Vase hopefuls lead the way as Boldon CA reach round two
The FA Vase gave the week its shape. Boldon C.A. beat Jarrow 1-0 in a first-round derby before a crowd of 312, which the club called outstanding. A first-half free kick settled it, in Jarrow's words, and ended their cup run. Boldon were then drawn away to St Helens in round two, due on Saturday 31 October, with a coach to be arranged.
Durham United also went through, winning 2-1 at Rossington Main with goals from Kay on 45 minutes and Bramwell on 56, in front of 68 spectators. Durham celebrated the result with an eye on the road to Wembley, while Billingham Town echoed the sentiment after their 2-1 win at Horden. They now meet Thornton Clevelys in the next round. Darlington Town also travelled to Merseyside for their first-round tie, thanking a local firm for accommodating the squad on the road.
In the league, Seaton Carew completed a derby double over FC Hartlepool with a 2-0 win at Grayfields, both goals coming after a goalless first half. The hosts finished with ten men after Matthew Lovatt was dismissed, and the club described the conditions as difficult and windy. Seaton named Dean Cope their player of the match. Seaton's week ended in a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday evening to Darlington Town, who handed a debut to new striker Oscar Taylor as they climbed to eighth. FC Hartlepool signed forward Carl Williams from Stokesley Sports Club, who arrives having scored seven goals this season, and travel to AFC Newbiggin on Saturday 17 October. Newbiggin say they are looking to recover from a run of poor results while staying in the top six.
