First Qualifying Round - 17 September 2011 - Preview

The regionalised draw continues to eliminate Northern League clubs but also ensures their continuing representation into the first qualifying round. However few clubs remain from the south of the region. Billingham Synthonia went out by the odd goal in five at Penrith, but Shildon progressed having narrowly defeated Guisborough despite playing the last 15 minutes with ten men due to a jewellery related incident!

Spennymoor we saw go through, and both they and Shildon are rewarded with a home tie.

Spennymoor Town v Dunston UTS

Spennymoor are neither scoring nor conceding many goals currently. Dunston put four past Durham City in the last round. These two drew 0-0 at Dunston on Saturday so another tight game could be in prospect.

Shildon v Ashington

Both teams have made quiet progress with a couple of 1 goal victories, and they both sit mid table, so again it could be a close tie.

Bedlington Terriers v Newcastle Benfield or South Shields

A trip to Northumberland is strangely attractive. Bedlington are scoring for fun at home, beating Billingham Town 6-0 in the previous round, and having put 25 past Stokesley in two games. The opponents need to finish their tie having drawn 1-1 and then abandoned the first attempt at a replay when floodlights failed.