Eight goals, extra time and three sendings-off.
You could not ask for more when Easington Colliery defeated Silksworth in the Wearside League Cup on Saturday.
Add the fact that the Wearsiders led with Anthony Rogerson's brace until the 71st minute, then the margin of Easington's 6-2 victory is
even more remarkable.
It looked all over for the Colliers when Chris Lindstedt's team enjoyed a two-goal lead despite having Cameron Marshall red-carded after just 25 minutes.
But when Tom Orchard reduced the deficit with 19 minutes remaining, suddenly the game was on.
Robert Huntley levelled on 83 minutes and four minutes later Silksworth went down to nine men as Jordan Craike received his marching orders.
Easington made the numerical advantage count and went into a 4-2 extra-time lead with strikes by Peter Crawford and Huntley before, amazingly, Ross Morton became the third Silksworth player to be sent off with eight minutes left.
From then on, the result was a foregone conclusion and the visitors were hit for six as Gary Tyzack put through his own goal and Huntley completed a hat-trick.
The other first round tie was not nearly so eventful. Glen Walker was an early marksman for Wolviston, but table-toppers Ryhope CW won 3-1, courtesy of Martin Metcalfe, Dan Smith and John Butler.
In a reduced league programme, Ashbrooke Belford House ended Coxhoe Athletic's mini-revival.
Jake Laverick fired the hosts in front, but goalkeeper Tom Orton was sent off for a 23rd-minute foul on Peter Benson, who converted the penalty.
Even so, Coxhoe regained the initiative through Peter Bulmer, but, in the second period, Mark Green and Paul Robinson eased Tommy Dobbing's men to victory.
Houghton Town twice led courtesy of Billy Harrison and Simon Williamson but had to settle for a point against Annfield Plain, whose marksmen were Roy Gordon and Colin Snailham.
Jarrow crashed 5-1 at New Marske despite scoring first through Richard Stubbs. Shaun Mackin (3) and Mark Dawson (2) replied.
Boldon CA exited the Durham Challenge Cup 5-2 to Northern League visitors Crook Town, who went 3-0 up thanks to Gavin Barton (2) and Adam Nichols.
Kris Robinson and Michael Wright threw Boldon a lifeline, but, in stoppage time, Crook wrapped up the tie with goals from Darren Kokes and Tom Berj.
