By Martin Walker
Brian Atkinson got his Spennymoor career off to a flying start on Wednesday night as his side won 4-1 at home to Esh Winning in the semi-finals of the Durham Challenge Cup.
In Atkinson’s first game as assistant manager to Jason Ainsley, following his appointment on Tuesday, Moors won with goals by Sonny Andrews (2), Jamie Harwood and Steven Richardson. Ex-Aycliffe forward Craig Mickle scored Esh’s only goal.
Spenny will play Gateshead in the final after the Heed beat Billingham Town 4-0 in the other semi-final on Wednesday night.
In Division One action, Bedlington Terriers beat Marske United 2-0 and Guisborough beat Shildon 2-1 at home.
Aycliffe’s next game is away to league-leaders Sunderland RCA on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
WEDNESDAY RESULTS & SCORERS
Courtesy of Ray Simpson
Durham Challenge Cup semi finals;
Gateshead 4 (Hackett og, Fisher 2, Odhiambo), Billingham Town 0
Spennymoor 4 (Harwood, Richardson, Andrews 2), Esh Winning 1 (Mickle)
Brooks Mileson Northern League Cup
Billingham Synthonia 6 (Henry, Blyth, Liddle, Dalton, Emms 2), Alnwick 1 (Moffit)
Norton 1 (Yalcin), Consett 2 (Lund, Mackay)
STL Northern League Division One
Bedlington 3 (Hubbard 2, Snowdon), Marske Utd 0
Guisborough 2 (Roberts. Poole) Shildon 1 (Casey og)
Division Two
Easington 2 (Pace 2), Darlington RA 3 (Barnes, Whitehead, Allison)
Morpeth 2 (Lunn, Fry), North Shields 1 (Robinson)