Today’s draw for the Preliminary Round of the FA Youth Cup saw Consett given a tough draw against fellow North East non-league side South Shields.

Consett AFC Bulls U18s are again proud to represent the club in the national competition, but their task in the opening stage couldn’t be much harder.

The young Mariners went on a record-breaking run to the 3rd Round proper last season, before losing to a highly-rated Fulham U18s side.

Along the way they beat Gateshead, Carlisle United, North Shields, Harrogate Town, Morecambe and Hartlepool United.

Gavin Scott’s Bulls represented Consett in the competition for the first time last season, and gave an excellent account of themselves.

They came back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Carlisle City, before losing a penalty shootout.

Ties are to be played in the week beginning Monday 7 September, with the winners progressing to an away tie at North Shields in the 1st Round Qualifying two weeks later.