Sunderland Under-23s handed away tie in Durham Challenge Cup
and live on Freeview channel 276
Elliott Dickman’s side reached the final of last season’s competition and were set to play National League North promotion challengers Spennymoor Town as the Black Cats looked to lift the cup for the first time since 2008.
Their bid to reach a second consecutive final will start at Welfare Park as they take on a Colliers side that are currently sat in the fourth and final promotion place in the Northern League’s second tier.
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Hide AdElsewhere in the draw, last year’s other finalists Spennymoor Town will host Wearside League new-boys Chester-le-Street United and Northern League Division One leaders and FA Vase finalists Hebburn Town will host Northern Alliance club Gateshead Rutherford.
There is an all-Northern League Division One tie as Seaham Red Star travel to Ryhope CW and Stockton Town will travel to Darlington.
Wearside League leaders Boldon CA have been given an opportunity to test their Northern League credentials after being handed an away tie at Division One club Sunderland RCA.
West Auckland Town were set to make the short trip to Shildon but have now been handed a bye into round two after the Railwaymen followed the lead of South Shields and withdrew from this year’s competition.
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Hide AdHartlepool United, Dunston UTS and Tow Law Town have also taken up the option given to them by Durham FA and will not take part in this season’s Challenge Cup.
Durham Challenge Cup First Round draw
Newton Aycliffe v Darlington Town
Birtley Town v Consett
Shildon v West Auckland Town (West Auckland Town handed bye)
Sunderland RCA v Boldon CA
Ryton and Crawcrook Albion v Whickham
Ryhope CW v Seaham Red Star
Chester-le-Street Town v Durham United
Hebburn Town v Gateshead Rutherford
Billingham Town v FC Hartlepool
Esh Winning v Bishop Auckland
Darlington v Stockton Town
Willington v Crook Town
Jarrow v Gateshead
Wolviston v Billingham Synthonia
Spennymoor Town v Chester-le-Street United
Easington Colliery v Sunderland U23s
All ties are to take place on the week preceding Saturday 19th December.