Doodson Sports League Challenge Cup action review

It was a busy week of Doodson Sport Cup for Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clubs this week, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

The first 'surprise' of the week saw struggling Eastwood Town knock Premier Division play-off chasers Ilkeston FC out on their own New Manor Ground patch in the competition's Third Round.

After Dereece Gardner had given the Robins a 10th minute lead, Ilkeston's club record eight-game unbeaten run was ended with Badgers' goals from Jacob Green after 34 minutes and Dan Elliott on 68 minutes.

The Third Round surprises continued on Tuesday as First Division South side Rainworth Miners Welfare saw off Premier Division visitors Buxton after extra-time. It was goalless after 90 minutes, but nine minutes into overtime Lee Cooksey gave the Wrens the breakthrough and Ryan Goward made sure with a second just before half-time of extra-time.

First Division North play-off contenders Farsley FC knocked Premier Division strugglers Whitby Town out at Throstle Nest. Ryan Harrison put the home side ahead on the half-hour mark, only for Steve Snaith to level within two minutes. But goals from Dave Stead just before the break and Adam Priestley on 62 minutes sealed the Seasiders' fate.

Not particularly a 'shock', but Blyth Spartans victory at Premier Division rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels ended up being a thriller settled in extra-time. Ben Turner gave Steels an 18th minute lead that Blyth overturned with goals from Wayne Buchanan after 28 minutes and Ryan McGorrigan on 41 minutes.

Jordan Thewlis equalised with 15 minutes to go and then Steels looked as though they were through when Danny South made it 3-2 with less than 10 minutes to go. But Andy Jennings forced extra-time when he levelled six minutes from the end and then Robbie Dale and Danny Maguire won it for Spartans in the extra 30 minutes.

Nantwich Town won another all-Premier tie at Marston Road against Stafford Rangers with Kyle Wilson and Sean Cooke outgunning Karl Ashton, while Rushall Olympic won the all-Premier Division derby at Dales Lane against Hednesford Town, courtesy of a 15th minute Joh Craddock effort.

Witton Albion won another all-Premier encounter against AFC Fylde at Wincham Park with goals from Joe Shaw after 29 minutes and two penalties converted by Anthony Gardner in the 52nd and 82nd minutes – Josh Horne's own goal on 70 minutes had given the visitors hope.

Premier Division Grantham Town ensured there was to be no 'surprise' at First Division South Mickleover Sports – the Gingerbreads running out 4-1 winners with goals from Alex Troke, Rhys Lewis, Sam Saunders and Karl Demidh – Bradley Munn netting for Sports.

Wednesday's all-Premier tie saw Worksop Town comfortable winners at Sandy Lane against Frickley Athletic. It was virtually all over by the 26th minute by which time the Tigers were three-up with goals from Adie Hawes, Jamie Jackson and Matt Telling. Jason Yates reduced the arrears shortly after half-time, only for the on-loan Jackson to add Worksop's fourth soon afterwards.

There were also four second round ties to be settled this week before the draw for the competition's Fourth Round was made on Thursday. Ties with dates below.

Brigg Town bowed out after losing 5-3 to First Division South rivals Sheffield FC in an enthralling tie at the Hawthorns. It took extra-time to separate the two sides after a thrilling match that swung from end to end. Brigg's goals on the evening came from Liam Dickens, Danny Buttle and Paul Grimes with the visitors efforts coming from Jon Muldoon, who netted ahat-trick, Ellis Wall and a Mark Dudley own goal.

Cammell Laird's Aaron Bowen bagged a brace - one to come from behind on 54 minutes after Ian McKinty had given Skelmersdale United a 28th minute lead - and one to give his side the lead in extra-time only for Dale Wright to force a shoot-out. And Lairds went through 3-0 on penalties against their First Division North neighbours and rivals.

Second half goals from Luke Smithson and Ruben Wiggins-Thomas earned First Division South side Carlton Town a 2-1 win over First Division North Ossett Town, whose James Eyles replied.

And the all-First Division South encounter between Chasetown and Northwich Victoria at The Scholars went comprehensively to the visitors.

Dan Dubidat broke the deadlock by giving Chasetown the lead 10 minutes after half-time. But Vics blew the Scholars away in a five-minute second half spell that turned the game in their favour. A Mariusz Kisiel own goal and then efforts from Gary McEvatt and Joe Bunney made it 3-1 to the visitors, with another quickfire brace in the final minutes from Scott Harries completing a 5-1 drubbing.

Fourth Round Draw

Ashton United or FC United of Manchester v Witton Albion [30th Jan if Ashton U]
Blyth Spartans v North Ferriby United or Sheffield FC
Eastwood Town v Rainworth Miners Welfare
Farsley FC v Worksop Town
Grantham Town v Matlock Town or Carlton Town
Marine or Trafford v Chorley or Cammell Laird
Nantwich Town v Kendal Town or Burscough or Curzon Ashton [5th Feb if Kendal T]
Rushall Olympic v Northwich Victoria or Market Drayton T [5th Feb]

Matches to be played Tuesday 29 January unless otherwise stated. All ties to be played to a conclusion with extra-time and penalties if required.