Quakers were beaten 5-0 at Whickham in the Durham Challenge Cup on Wednesday night, but manager Steve Johnson was still happy with the performance.

Quakers started the game well. Justin Donawa broke through early on, but former Darlington keeper Adam Bartlett denied him, then the keeper went full length to deny Brandon Morrison.

But Whickham took the lead on the half hour mark when Osagi Bascome, the skipper for the night, brought down Scott Robson and Max Cowburn scored from the spot.

Lucas Bell had a shot blocked for Quakers at the start of the second half, but Whickham added a second goal on 56 minutes when an effort by Lewis Gibbons was blocked, and Robson followed up to score.

Quakers nearly pulled one back, but Donawa’s shot was just of target.

However, Whickham went 3-0 up when keeper Chris Elliott saved a Chad Collins penalty and then the follow up, but Carl Finnigan was on hand to force the ball home.

Whickham scored further goals through Cowburn and Dale Burrell.

"Considering that Whickham are a strong, physical Northern League side, I thought our lads did pretty well.

"They got a soft penalty in the first half to lead 1-0 at half time, and then at the start of the second half we had a brilliant ten minutes.

"But then they got another penalty and took control. Our lads were outstanding all round, and never stopped grafting. The game will hold our youngsters in good stead for the future."

Elliott, Moncur, Holiday, Bascome, Eckley-Aldsworth, Alderson, Donawa, Stansfield, Morrison, Lingthep, Bell

Subs: Lamb, Howell, Johnson, Richardson, Nobel