Hebburn made the long journey to Cumbria to face a strong Penrith side in the League Cup. Penrith were promoted to the first division at the end of last season and although they are mid-table they have had some great results, particularly at home. They have made significant improvements to their squad with a mix of experienced players from Workington and Carlisle and young talent from local clubs.

There was a minutes silence at the beginning of the game in memory of Brooks Mileson who died recently.

On a heavy, saturated ground Penrith kicked off in lively fashion and moved the ball rapidly round the pitch with some great one-touch football and their obvious pace throughout the team was already troubling the Hebburn team. It was no great surprise when they took the lead in the 8th minute following a slick passing move as centre forward Reed forced the ball home. The same player increased the lead following another spell of pressure after 20 minutes.

Hebburn started to gain a greater share of possession and Anthony Myers in particular embarked on some good runs one of which ended with a strong drive across the keeper, narrowly missing the far post. This was followed shortly with a fine header from Daniel Gray just wide of the upright with the keeper beaten. However Penrith raised their game and all five forwards were giving the Hebburn defence a torrid time with their pace and movement. This led to a tremendous strike by the very quick Dean Douglas who lashed the ball home from 10 yards after 40 minutes. From the re-start Hebburn went straight upfield and only a great save by keeper Holland prevented a fine header from Finbarr Lynch reducing the arrears but on the stroke of half-time Hebburn's plight worsened when Lynn added the fourth following another fine move.

Four nil at half time was afair reflection of the home team's dominance; they had impressed in all positions and had exerted considerable pressure on Hebburn's stretched defence. To combat this Hebburn changed to a 4-4-2 formation but initially this made no difference and Penrith increased the leadwith strikes in the 52nd minute by Robinson and Reed in the 54th minute to complete his hat-trick.

To their credit Hebburn did not "lie down" and continued to battle and there were few scoring attempts as Hebburn enjoyed more of the play. Indeed after 80 minutes Armstrong should have scored but volleyed over from 8 yards and in the dying minutes a Colin Nesbitt free kick eluded everyone including the keeper to nestle in the corner of the net for a fair consolation goal. Penrith are the best team that Hebburn has faced this season and the result demonstrates the divide between the first and second divisions of the Northern League.