Consett for once had only a passing interest in the draw for the opening rounds of this season’s FA Vase, which were made by the FA today.

Our club record run to last season’s semi-finals – which still have to be settled – means we are exempt until the 2nd Round on Saturday 28 November.

Hebburn Town, West Auckland and Stockton Town will also remain interested spectators until then, while Newcastle Benfield enter in the 1st Round.

Today’s 1st Qualifying Round FA Vase draw threw up 10 all-Northern League ties:

Bishop Auckland v Billingham Synthonia

Bedlington Terriers v Heaton Stannington

Willington v Whickham

North Shields v Tow Law Town

Northallerton Town v Billingham Town

West Allotment Celtic v Penrith

Ryton & Crawcrook Albion v Ashington

Shildon v Chester-le-Street Town

Whitley Bay v Newcastle University

Guisborough Town v Washington

Read the draw for the 1st and 2nd Qualifying Rounds as it affects Northern League clubs in full here.

Depending on our clubs’ success against opponents from other leagues, there could be up to nine more all-NL ties in the next round.