Durham United are still reeling from another cruel defeat to one of the Wearside League first division’s top sides after surrendering a two-goal lead to unbeaten Boldon CA at New Ferens on Saturday.

It is the third time Durham United have lost games from winning positions and they have suffered four league defeats this season.

The home side took the lead when Matty Pennal headed home Chris Pattinson’s lovely cross to take his tally to double figures since he joined from Newton Aycliffe.

Fellow striker Steven Telford scored his second of the season within minutes from a one-on-one after some excellent Durham pressing on their home turf.

But Boldon danger man Daniel Wright helped himself to two goals from some lapse defending to pull the visitors level before the break before Adam Bell bagged the winner midway through the second-half and capitalised on a loose ball in the area. And as they discovered from a similar winning position against Wolviston, the visitors had enough nouse to see the game out.

Durham United go on their first trophy hunt this weekend aiming to bury their habit of throwing away their leads and coming up empty-handed.

Dean Smith’s side face Farringdon Detached in the Durham Trophy on Saturday at New Ferens Park, in the second game to be played without spectators in the stadium.

Saturday's game at home to Farringdon Detached - if it is allowed to go ahead - is United's first cup fixture this season and a break from Wearside League first division involvement, having played the most league games so far and winning 12 points from eight games.

With the Tuesday night game at Chester-le-Street now postponed, Smith's side return to league action at leaders Horden Community Welfare on Saturday, October 10.

This Saturday, Durham United Reserves travel to Houghton-le-Spring to face Doxford Park FC, in the Wearside League second division with Steven Turnbull's side aiming to preserve their 100 per cent record.

Durham United Under-18s are also on their travels to meet Norton and Stockton Ancients Youths and will be looking to get back to winning ways after two defeats in the Durham FA Saturday PM League.

Durham United Women host Leam Rangers Ladies at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre in Ushaw Moor on Sunday. They beat Consett Ladies 4-0 last week with two goals from Ceryis Eleri Knaggs-Hedges and one each for Abz Griffiths and Emma Wright.