In an all-Northern Alliance clash the Borderers, third from bottom in the First Division, knocked out third-top league colleagues Amble United, who had lifted this trophy in 2007.

In an earlier league meeting between these two sides, Amble United had romped to an easy 4-0 victory - but this time they were well below par and Berwick fully deserved their 4-2 success.

In keeping with other competitions, the cup has had progress badly affected by the weather. The fourth round should have taken place in early January, but only three games have been decided after being given the go-ahead last weekend.

Amble won 3-1 at league colleagues Forest Hall, whose goal was scored by Robert Ruddick. Amble's counters came from Stu Marshall (2) and Adam Shanks.

Meanwhile, Amble United's scheduled tie with Berwick United is one of the fourth round games that remains outstanding.

Ron Warwick gave United an interval lead but two second-half replies from Simon Jacobs and Alan Pegram swung the game in Hebburn's favour.

An 80th-minute penalty put away by Paul White salvaged a point for the visitors.

Percy Main and Gateshead Rutherford have drawn clear of the rest in the race for the title.

Meanwhile, Amble were in free-scoring mood at home to Blyth Rangers in the Northumberland Minor Cup and won 6-1.

Chris Atkin opened the scoring for Whitley early in the second half, but Marc Hume to put United back on terms.

In the 65th minute Amble's winner was claimed by Ian Common.

Dozens have already benefited from pilot 'wheels to work' schemes run in two areas of the county - which involve the cheap loan of a car or scooter to get them to and from vital employment or training.

Now the Green Light to Work initiative is being rolled out across the county, following the success of trials in the south-east of the county and Tynedale.

Meanwhile, current Northern Alliance Division Two leaders Amble emerged from a brief dip in form to narrowly beat bottom side Tynemouth United 2-1 after falling behind to Steve Dickson's opener for their opponents.

Wyn Fremlin's reply restored parity before Amble's winner was notched by Michael Straker.

Meanwhile in the Sportsworld North Northumberland League, Colin Young (2), Anthony Murray, Andy Burgon and Craig Henderson were all on target for Lowick in a win at Acklington Athletic.

Scott Coates scored from the penalty spot for Hexham's consolation goal and they were well beaten by a livelier Amble outfit.

Stu Marshall completed a hat-trick for the winners, whose other marksmen were Stuart Oman, Shaun Jobson and Wyn Fremlin.

Photo by Doug Robson of Hexham FC

Kevin Bell and Adam Shanks were Amble's marksmen in their 2-0 success at home to Newcastle Diggers United (pictured- Amble's Kevin Bell on the ball- photo by Steve Miller).

Amble United won 4-0 at home to Tynemouth with goals shared by Brent Aisbitt, Mark Hume, Lee Harker and Paul White.

Amble have picked up only a single point from three recent outings and could only draw 0-0 with hosts Hexham, who are proving difficult to beat at Wentworth Park (photo provided by Doug Robson of Hexham FC).

Gateshead Rutherford are four points clear at the head of the First Division, but with games in hand both Percy Main and Amble United are snapping at their heels.

Amble United marked their return to action with a 5-1 victory away to Newcastle East End. Brent Aisbitt opened United's account in the first half but straight after the interval Anthony Johnson levelled for the East Enders.

But in the last half-hour, Amble's pressure paid off in the shape of goals for substitute Darren Riddell (2), Greg Dance (penalty) and Paul White.

The BT lads had drawn their three previous home games, but soon set out their stall in this one with both Greg Palmer and Anthony Stobbs finding the net within 15 minutes of the kick off.

Richard Beverley increased the lead on the stroke of half-time before Neil Clubbs scored his first goal for six years to complete BT's tally.

The Seasiders, who have won six of seven home games to date, kept the pressure on their rivals by beating struggling visitors Seaton Burn 4-0.

Brad Wake and Ron Warwick were on target in the opening half, with later goals added by Brent Aisbitt and Greg Dance, who scored from the spot in the 59th minute.

Greg Dance opened the scoring for Amble midway through the first half. Kyle Yorston got Shields back on terms but their visitors' lead was restored by Ross Gair, and with three minutes to go Darren Riddell scored Amble's third goal.

Gateshead Rutherford stayed in pole position after their 4-1 victory at Newcastle East End.

In Amble's 9-2 home victory against Gosforth Bohemians A, both John Charlton and Wyn Fremlin weighed in with hat-tricks.

Stu Marshall bagged a brace and Adam Shanks was also on target.

Lee Common managed to cancel out Kevin Urwin's early opener for the Gateshead outfit. However, Urwin's second goal restored the home side's lead.

Amble had a brief bright spell after the changeover, but faded later on and Rutherford hot-shot Urwin helped himself to two more goals - including a penalty.

Acklington picked up their first win of the season thanks to two goals by Eric McKevitt and single strikes by Aaron Redpath, Wayne Robinson, Richard Lemon and Dell Sawes.

However, it was not all one way as Berwick United Reserves hit back with a Chris Falconer hat-trick and a Michael Robinson goal.