DCC Quarter-final home tie for Gateshead Reserves

Gateshead reserves have been handed a home tie in the last eight of the Durham Challenge Cup.

The Tynesiders will face either Northern League 1st division outfit Sunderland RCA or manager Paul Bryson's former club Chester-le-Street Town.

RCA initially struggled after gaining promotion from the second division last season but have won their last four league and cup games and are currently 15th in the table having lost five of their eight away games.

The club is managed by Neil Hixon and included in the squad is former Gateshead left back Paul Talbot.

Chester-le-Street Town meanwhile were relegated from the Northern League top flight last season despite striker Nathan Fisher scoring over 40 goals before he moved on to Gateshead.

The Cestrians, already beaten by a Gateshead XI 4-1 in a friendly this season, are eighth in the NL second division with manager Stu Sherwood, formerly Bryson's right hand man at Chester Moor, in his 14th season at the club.

"It is our third home draw in the competition so we have to be happy about that," said Bryson 'and it would be great if we were to play my old club Chester-le-Street.

"Stu Sherwood is a good friend of mine and RCA boss Neil Hixon is another mate so it should be an interesting night whoever we play.

"The game will take place during a busy period, the first week of the new year, so we will have to see how many squad players I have available.

"Whether it be Chester or Sunderland RCA it will be a tough game but a great opoortunity to reach the semi-final, and once you're there anything can happen."

DURHAM CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Durham City v Dunston UTS or Bishop Auckland

Gateshead Res. v Sunderland RCA or Chester-le-Street Town

Norton & Stockton Ancients v Wolviston or Crook Town

Spennymoor Town v Billingham Synthonia

*Ties to be played by Saturday January 8th