Bemused Team Northumbria boss Paul Johnson is counting the cost of a defensive horror show after his side's FA Vase campaign faltered at the first hurdle.

Hosts Crook came away with a 4-2 win as the wheels came off TN's bright start to the season.

And Johnson has vowed to ring the changes at STL Second Division leaders Guisborough on Wednesday - after bidding to sign two new defenders.

"Crook had four chances and scored four goals thanks to some awful defending," said Johnson.

"But we missed a host of chances ourselves and I can't believe this is a game we lost. We must have enjoyed 90% of the possession but we shot ourselves in the foot." 

In-form Team Northumbria kick off their FA Vase campaign at old rivals Crook Town this weekend as favourites to make the second qualifying round.

Paul Johnson's men have marched into the top six of the STL Northern League second division on the back of three wins from four.

And County Durham stalwarts Crook will have to be at the top of their game to keep their own hopes of FA Vase glory alive.

Check out teamnorthumbria.com for the latest report and reaction from this weekend's big football clash. 

Delighted coach Paul Johnson paid tribute to his players' summer of hurt as Team Northumbria sent Birtley packing in this weekend's Northern League opener.

The hosts bagged two goals in each half to get their Second Division campaign off to a flier.

And Johnson insisted a fantastic 4-0 win fully justified a gruelling pre-season schedule which started in June and took in six warm-up games.

"In the past we've started the season slowly and picked up a series of injuries so this summer was all about changing that," he said.

"We've worked with Northumbria University's strength and conditioning staff on core strength and injury prevention.

"And we played as many games as possible to make sure we were up and running once the real action started.

"The lads found it very, very tough but we've only picked up one knock and won our first game 4-0. It's just reward." 

Saturday saw TN’s Head of Football Paul Johnson take to the Errea Coaches Arena, as he delivered a coaching session in front of over 200 spectators. With the likes of Peter Taylor and Iain Dowie also delivering sessions throughout the weekend, Northumbria University proved just how respected its football programme is to the 15,000 people who attended the Show, reflected by the number of scholarship applications taken throughout the weekend.

This week Team Northumbria will be attending Grass Roots Football Showcase Live at the NEC Arena in Birmingham. This is the 3rd consecutive year that representatives from the University have attended the event, which always promises to be a spectacular and star-studded show.

This year is no exception with the likes of Premier league player Peter Taylor, Former Ireland International Iain Dowie and ex-West Ham and Charlton Athletic Manager Alan Curbishley all sharing their expertise with players from all over the country.

Northumbria’s very own Paul Johnson will be coaching alongside these football greats delivering a session based on developing advanced technical skills for 16-21year olds.