Clubs across the Northern League were in FA Vase first qualifying round action this weekend.

Seaham Red Star assistant manager Michael Johnson believes his side can take some positives from their FA Vase exit at the hands of Marske United.

Mark Collingwood’s side were always likely to be up against it against a Marske side sitting one level above them in the non-league pyramid - and it was the Seasiders that got their reward for a positive start when Charlie Watt’s penalty put them in front on 19 minutes.

Watt doubled his tally and his side’s advantage just before the hour-mark and that was enough to seal his side’s place in the second qualifying round. However, they were made to work for their win after Jack Robertson gave Red Star some hope of finding an equaliser that remained out of reach.

Speaking after the defeat, Seaham number two Johnson told The Echo: “We are disappointed to go out of the Vase in this round - but the lads have given a good account of themselves. On another day, we score a couple more and we probably go through. It’s just one of those where it’s a bit tough at the minute and the reaction from a very poor 15 minutes on Wednesday night after controlling it for the first 74 was pretty good today.

“We have just fallen short but we have taken a team a division above us all of the way. There were some pleasing aspects, we just have to make sure we continue that. It’s always disappointing to lose a game and go out of a prestigious competition but we have to move on and put our full focus on the league now.”

Results

Friday: Newton Aycliffe 4-2 FC Hartlepool, Whickham 3-1 Newcastle University, Billingham Synthonia 0-2 Carlisle City Saturday: Knaresborough Town 3-0 Park View AFC, Kendal Town 2-1 Steeton, Billingham Town 1-0 Crook Town, Thackley 0-1 Yarm & Eaglescliffe, Boldon CA 2-1 Longridge Town, Harrogate Railway Athletic 0-1 Grangetown Boys Club, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion 5-1 Sunderland RCA, Northallerton Town 0-2 Durham United, Pickering Town 3-1 Alnwick Town, Thornaby 1-3 Blyth Town, Chester-le-Street Town 1-2 Redcar Town, Marske United 2-1 Seaham Red Star

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