Sunderland Under-23s handed away tie in Durham Challenge Cup

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.

Elsewhere 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.

Hartlepool 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.