HEATON HEAP MISERY ON WALKER

By Bill Gardner
There were two notable fallers in the second round of the Kicks Leisure League Cup with Premier Division outfits Walker Central and Seaton Delaval both bowing out. Walker Central had been beaten 3-0 at Alnwick Town in the NFA Senior Bowl on the previous Saturday and they suffered an identical reverse in the League Cup. Visitors Heaton Stannington avenged an earlier league defeat with goals by Kevin Carr, Lawrence McKenna and Adam Donaghey.

In another all-Premier Division encounter Blyth Town beat cup hosts Murton 4-0. Two first half strikes by Craig Hopwood and Danny Beresford put Blyth on course for an easy victory. Their goals tally was completed after the break by Tom Haigh and Craig Robinson.

Seaton Delaval were on the receiving end of one of the League Cup’s biggest upsets when they were beaten 2-1 away to Second Division opponents Wallsend Boys Club. Paul Baird netted for Delaval but his goal was outweighed by replies from Andy McBride and Chris Musgrave to put the Boys Club into the next round. This was a thoroughly deserved success for the minnows who could have won by a greater margin but for the heroics of the Seaton Delaval keeper.

Last season’s losing League Cup finalists Harraby Catholic Club coasted through thanks to their 6-0 home win against Berwick United with the Cumbrians’ goals supplied by Daniel Balmer (2), Alan Casey, James Earl, Marc Shiel and John Dowell.

Newcastle University avoided a possible banana skin by beating Morpeth Sporting Club 5-2 at Cochrane Park. Dave Kewn helped himself to four of the Students’ goals with Edwin Tizard claiming the fifth. Morpeth’s replies came from Paul Bullock and Michael Dixon.

Andrew Davidson (2) and Billy Holden scored Ponteland United’s goals in their 3-1 cup win away to North Shields Athletic who replied through Liam Bone. And Heddon used the League Cup platform to record their first win of the season, beating Percy Main 2-1 at Purvis Park.

The Main had won all of their previous games this season on home turf but the run came to an end and John Dunn scored both of their goals. His first on the quarter hour was slightly against the run of play but a good individual effort after he beat off several challenges.

Dunn was on target again to double Heddon’s lead after 75 minutes as he raced onto David Edwardson’s through ball, evaded Steve Shadforth’s tackle and rounded home keeper Bob Rodgerson to fire into the unguarded net. There was a glimmer of hope for the Villagers when Jason Ritchie scored from the spot after Callum Colbeck was floored in the area but at that point time was against the home side.

Premier Division leaders Wark cleared their second round hurdle at the expense of four-time cup winners Carlisle City. With home advantage Wark won 4-1 and had Marc Nixon (hat-trick) and Phil Thompson on target before City’s 80th minute consolation goal was provided by Ollie Driver.

Desperate for league points, Shankhouse had drawn three and lost two of their previous five league games so their 4-1 victory against Stocksfield at Prudhoe was a very welcome event. Michael Bell netted twice in the first half for the visitors and their tally was boosted later on by goals scored after 67 and 77 minutes by Anthony Moran and Darren Naylor. Only three minutes remained when Graeme Hudspith got Stocksfield off the mark with his header from Anthony MacDonald’s cross.
Cramlington Town claimed their first home win by beating neighbours Ashington Colliers 2-1 and completed a league double in the process. Two early goals both put away by Andrew Carr put Cramlington in charge and he scored his first after only six minutes after racing onto a through ball from Kevin Long. And in the 20th minute he netted again with a fine header from David Atkinson’s cross. Straight after the interval Glen Taylor reduced the deficit for the Colliers and Cramlington had to defend well to protect their slight advantage.

Alnwick Town’s 2-2 draw with visitors Killingworth extended an unbeaten run to six games. Killy had Craig Harley and Kevin Westphal on target to give them a clear lead but Alnwick hit back after the break through Ben Keenan and Mark Cockburn.

DIVISION ONE – URWIN HAT-TRICK KEEPS LEADERS ON COURSE
With a game in hand, Amble United are only four points behind current leaders Gateshead Rutherford in the First Division. 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.

Amble had been hoping that Rutherford might slip up against in-form visitors Cullercoats but the Gateshead outfit won 3-2 in a thriller to retain their unbeaten home record. In a see-saw encounter leading scorer Kevin Urwin scored all three goals for the league leaders with his vital third coming after 86 minutes. Ben Gardner and Dave Fairless scored for Cullercoats who saw Craig Deighton’s penalty saved before having a player sent off ten minutes from time.

Northbank had picked up their first league points on the previous Saturday but were brought back down to earth quickly and were hammered 4-0 at home by Whitley Bay A. And Newcastle East End suffered a fifth successive home defeat, going down 6-2 against South Shields United. Goals by Anthony Johnson and Anthony Studholme counted for nothing in the end for the Eastenders. South Shields easily secured their fourth away win on the trot with goals supplied by Gary Spottiswood (2), Jack Lawton (2), Aaron Kah and substitute Scott Graham (penalty).

The First Division hopefuls making progress in the League Cup were Chopwell Officials, Gosforth Bohemians, Hebburn Reyrolle and Wallington. Chopwell beat cup hosts Forest Hall 2-0 while Gosforth Bohemians earned their second round ticket by beating Wideopen & District by the same score at Benson Park. Their scorers were Harry Tulip and Sean Quinn.

Down on Teesside there was a 4-1 victory for Hebburn Reyrolle to show Peterlee Town the exit door. Paul Callan got the Newtowners off the mark but they performed poorly and were never really in the hunt. Simon Jacob bagged two of the Reyrolle goals and strikes by Craig Malley and Alan Pegram completed their tally.

DIVISION TWO – AMBLE OPEN UP GAP AT THE TOP
Because of second round ties in the League Cup only two Second Division games were scheduled and in one of these Amble strengthened their hand in pole position. Their 4-0 home win against Willington Quay Saints took them three points clear of nearest rivals Wideopen & District. In what was Amble’s fifth win on the trot they had regular marksman Wyn Fremlin completing a hat-trick before Stu Marshall completed their tally. Unhappily the winners’ hero Fremlin had to be taken to hospital after sustaining a leg injury in the second half.

In the only other Second Division encounter Cramlington Blue Star picked up their first home points of the campaign by beating bottom rung opponents Whitley Bay Town 3-1. Johnny Wardle’s early opener for the` Star was cancelled out after an hour by the Bay’s Greg Lake. But James Harrison netted to restore Cramlington’s advantage and with three minutes to spare their third goal was tucked away by Ross Armstrong.

The Second Division sides retaining an interest in the League Cup and progressing to the third round were Cullercoats Custom Planet, Newcastle Chemfica and Stobswood Welfare.

With home advantage, Cullercoats Custom Planet ran out comfortable 6-1 winners to end the hopes of their Second Division colleagues Newcastle BT. Nigel Morris led the way for the Planet with his hat-trick with Kieran Fitzpatrick bagging himself a brace and Tony Fawcett also found the net. BT’s single reply on an off day came from Richard Beverley.

In another all-Second Division cup clash, Newcastle Chemfica beat visitors Wallsend Town 2-1 with both of their goals claimed by Michael Crozier and Alan Errington replying for the losers who have gone off the rails recently.

Stobswood Welfare carried their impressive league form into the cup arena when they visited Swalwell. The Welfare had already beaten Swalwell 6-1 in an identical league meeting and dished out similar punishment, winning 6-0 this time. Stobswood’s Josh Hay banged in three of their goals with the rest shared by Steve Gibbard, Paul Smith and James Davison.

COLLIERS BOWL OVER THEIR NEIGHBOURS

By Bill Gardner
In the weekend’s single Premier Division encounter, a 1-0 local derby victory away to Harraby Catholic Club took Carlisle City to within three points of current joint leaders Wark and Walker Central. City’s important winner was put away by Scott Priest with nine minutes to spare.

All the other sides in the Alliance’s top flight were involved in county cup action and while Murton were beaten 4-1 by hosts Stockton Town in the Durham FA trophy there were successes in the first round of the Northumberland FA Senior Benevolent Bowl.

Two ties went into extra time and Ashington Colliers needed the extra half hour to beat visiting neighbours Cramlington Town 3-2. Goals for Joe Moscrop and Scott Smith gave the Colliers a clear interval lead but an own goal gifted by Ashington’s Adam Ryder got Cramlington off the mark. The visitors then levelled through Jordan Watson, only for Marc Richardson to restore the Colliers’ le ads at the end of the first extra period.

Cup holders Blyth Town also needed extra time to record a 6-4 victory in a great cup tie against Whitley Bay A at Hillheads. After 90 minutes it was all square at 2-2 but Blyth progressed with goals supplied by man-of-the-match Danny Beresford (2), Tom Haigh, Mark Waugh, Adam Gladwin and Chris Lisle. The Bay’s goals were shared by Ian Lee, Dean Porter, Gavin Hattrick and Mark Waite. And after this determined and skilful performance by Blyth few would bet against them retaining the Senior Bowl even in the light of this season’s stiffer competition.

Wark sailed into the second round by beating visitors Shankhouse 4-0 and after having Tony Lancaster, Phil Thompson and John Hamilton on target in the first half their tally was completed after the interval by Matthew MacLoughlin.

Alnwick Town claimed an impressive 3-0 verdict at home to Walker Central. Scott McMullen opened Alnwick’s account within two minutes of the start and after 65 minutes Ben Keenan doubled their lead. In the 85th minute the Town’s third goal was supplied by Richard Brown.

Two teams – Killingworth Sporting and Stocksfield – completed league and cup doubles with their respective and identical 2-1 victories in the Bowl’s first round. Killingworth’s visitors Ponteland United had Liam McIvor finding the net to end 75 minutes of stalemate but United were hit by a double whammy late in the game as Killy emerged as 2-1 victors. To open the scoring Pont’s hard-working midfielder Joe Dawson passed to Billy Holden and when he transferred the ball to McIvor he went round home keeper Aiden Ames to score.

Killingworth made a double substitution for the final quarter hour and the move paid off. With five minutes to go a right wing cross was palmed into the air by Pont keeper Michael Havelock and home striker Frank Di Pietro fired home the loose ball. Then, only two minutes later Killingworth stole a winner when Havelock was beaten again, this time by substitute Jorge Bollado’s volley. Understandably Pont were deflated at the final whistle but credit was due to Killy for their never-say-die attitude and their late flourish. 

Stocksfield were presented with an own goal opener by visitors Newcastle University when a Students’ defender turned Patrick Finnerty’s hard-driven flag kick into his own net. The University’s Edwin Tizard equalised soon after the change-over but Stocksfield wrapped up the tie midway through the second half. A quickly-taken throw-in by Anthony Dowson released Wayne Stewart who was able to pick his spot only seconds after coming on as a substitute for the Tyne valley outfit.

Ben Gardner (2) and Craig Deighton were the Cullercoats marksmen in the Seasiders’ 3-2 home win against Heddon and Heaton Stannington made progress by beating Seaton Delaval 2-1 at Wheatridge Park. Lawrence McKenna’s opener for Heaton was cancelled out by Delaval’s Stephen Howes but Kevin Carr scored a vital second goal for the visitors before the break.

DIVISION ONE – MORPETH THROW THEIR HAT INTO THE RING
Third-placed Amble United with a game in hand, pepped up their challenge in the First Division with a 3-1 win away to mid-table opponents South Shields United. Greg Dance opened the scoring for Amble with an absolute screamer midway through the first half. Shortly after the break Kyle Yorston got Shields back on terms but their visitors’ lead was restored by Ross Gair and with three minutes to go Amble’s third goal was claimed by regular marksman Darren Riddell.

There’s little doubt that Morpeth Sporting Club will figure prominently in this season’s race for the First Division title. They made it seven wins on the trot by beating lowly Seaton Burn 4-1 with goals shared by Lee Donnelly, Micky Hanlon, Mike Dixon and Scott Pocklington with the Burn’s single reply coming from Stu Taylor.

Gateshead Rutherford have won five and drawn one of their last six games and stayed in pole position after their 4-1 victory away to Newcastle East End. Lee Chapman was a lone marksman for the Eastenders who have now lost four home games on the trot but this result was no reflection of the play. The Rutherford scorers were Aaron Sheriff, David Loughlin, Andrew Reay and Craig Horsfall but three of their goals were put away inside the last ten minutes.

In second place Percy Main are just three points short of Rutherford’s total and, like Amble United, they have a useful game in hand. The Villagers were rather fortunate to beat hosts Gosforth Bohemians 1-0 to extend and unbeaten run to eight games. The Bohs had their central defender sent off only a minute after the kick off. It still took Percy Main another 73 minutes to open the scoring through Dean Morgan whose goal turned out to be vital. At that point they were playing against nine men after Bohemians’ striker Danny Sherwood also received his marching orders.

At the tenth attempt, Northbank finally picked up their first league points from their 3-2 win against visitors Berwick United who are still pointless away from home. Two first half strikes, both by Sergio Royo, put the Cumbrians in charge and Neal Thorley scored their third goal. Chris Falconer and Paul Richardson hit back for Berwick but they couldn’t find an equaliser and are now propping up the table.

Peterlee Town are also making a bid for promotion this time and have won four of their last five games, culminating with a 4-1 victory at home to Wallington who had been enjoying a successful run themselves. Paul Callan’s early opener for the Newtowners was cancelled out by Wallington’s Brad Smith before the break. Callan netted again to restore Peterlee’s lead and went on to complete his hat-trick after his colleague Jack Turner scored a third goal for the home side.

Meanwhile, Hebburn Reyrolle and Chopwell Officials both passed preliminary round tests in the Durham FA Trophy. Chopwell hammered cup visitors Durham Garden House 6-1 and Simon Jacob (2) and Ray Oshin netted for Hebburn in their 3-0 home win against Hartlepool St Francis Under-21’s.

DIVISION TWO – HOME WINS FOR JOINT LEADERS
Bolstered by a couple of games in hand, Amble are in top spot in the Second Division and sharing the same points total with nearest rivals Wideopen & District. Both teams made home advantage count to secure maximum points as they continued to set a hot pace.

Wyn Fremlin’s two goals for Amble included a second half penalty and their other scorers were Adam Shanks and Stu Marshall. Chemfica replied through Anthony Bruce and Dean Calvert but were always chasing the game and are still seeking their first point away from home.

Wideopen, just edged out of top spot by Amble on the basis of goal difference, conceded another three goals but still managed to beat visitors Newcastle BT 4-3. Martin Roper turned out to be a hat-trick hero for the winners whose other scorer in the 90th minute was famously-named new signing Niall Quinn. BT were unlucky to lose after goals by Greg Palmer, Darren Whitfield and Colin Galbraith had promised a share of the spoils.

The two current leaders have opened up a four-point gap at the top and third-placed North Shields Athletic were knocked back. They became the latest victims of in-form hosts Stobswood Welfare and were beaten 5-2. The Welfare clocked up their sixth successive league win with goals supplied by Steve Gibbard (2), Matt Graham, Josh Hay and Mike Hogg with James Baker and Bryan Murray replying for their opponents.

Wallsend Boys Club are still just on the fringes of the promotion race but have lost only once in six recent games and featured in a creditable 1-1 draw away to Willington Quay Saints. The Saints, who had won their last four games on home turf, were fired into a 50th minute lead by Mark Henderson but after 72 minutes substitute Josh Walsh restored parity for the Boys Club.

Forest Hall still have a lot to do if they are to revive their promotion hopes but they’re still unbeaten at home after earning a 3-1 verdict against visitors Wallsend Town. The Hall’s Mark Knights put the ball into his own net to give Wallsend a boost but he was saved embarrassment by the goal-scoring exploits of his colleagues Dean Smith, Jamie Kennedy and Ryan Anderson.

Hexham beat bottom rung visitors Tynemouth United 2-0 but had to wait for around eighty minutes for substitute Darren Dobson’s brace which settled the issue in their favour. And, after failing to fulfil the previous Saturday’s fixture, Whitley Bay Town returned to action but were beaten 4-1 at home by Swalwell. Stuart Rook and Craig Robinson bagged two goals each for the winners with Whitley’s single reply scored by Luke Jamieson-Yip.

In a clash featuring two new clubs at the wrong end of the Second Division table, Cullercoats Custom Planet ended a seven-match losing run by beating hosts Cramlington Blue Star 3-1. James Fitzpatrick (2) and Liam Graham found the net for the Planet with Jamie Evans replying for a Blue Star side still waiting for their first point at home.

PONTELAND MATCH LEAGUE LEADERS WARK

By Bill Gardner
The top three sides in the Premier Division all drew and there is still no clear leader with Wark and Walker Central sharing pole position with almost identical records.

After winning six games on the trot, Wark were restricted to a 1-1 stalemate by visitors Ponteland United. With the wind behind them in the first half Wark had the majority of the play and showed why they are one of the leagues front runners. Pont’s Michael Havelock was the busier of the two keepers, tipping over a cross from Matt MacLoughlin but with new signing Anzevui marshalling the defence and Liam McIvor and Craig Brown working hard in midfield United kept the home side at bay and it was still 0-0 at half time.

Havelock was in action again after the break, tipping over a drive from Mark Elliott but was beaten on 60 minutes by Marc Nixon's 30-yard free kick low down to his right. Despite this set-back Pont stuck to their task with Brown and Glenn Ford bravely charging down Phil Thompson’s drive as Wark aimed to double their lead.
Richard Kent was working tirelessly on the visitors’ right flank but Wark’s defenders were proving too strong and physical for Billy Holden when the crosses came in.

Nevertheless, Ponteland’s nippy striker got his reward with five minutes to go. Home keeper Sagar failed to collect Max Turner's cross when under pressure from McIvor and Holden was on hand to poke the ball over the line.

It was always going to be tough for Walker Central at home to Harraby Catholic Club and they also had to be content with a 1-1 draw. Only beaten once in this campaign, the Central were given the lead by Liam Mulligan straight after half time. The Cumbrians had Marc Shiel claiming their leveller after 67 minutes and their games in hand will make them increasingly threatening.

Carlisle City in third place have remained unbeaten in their last four matches away from home and shared four goals with their latest hosts Blyth Town. Craig Robinson opened the scoring for Blyth midway through the first half but there was a fairly quick reply from City’s Steve Bell. With five minutes to go Chris Major scored what seemed to be Carlisle’s winner but in the dying seconds Mark Waugh’s successful spot kick salvaged a point for the Town.

With the teams above them all spilling points, fourth-placed Heaton Stannington improved their standing and another good performance at Grounsell Park earned them a 4-1 verdict against strugglers Heddon. Thanks to strikes by Brian Dodsworth (2), Lawrence McKenna and Kevin Carr, Heaton were four goals to the good after 55 minutes and Heddon’s later consolation goal was put away by David Edwardson. And Heddon are still in trouble after suffering their eighth defeat on the trot in the Premier Division.

Two in-form sides met at St James’ Park where hosts Alnwick Town won 4-1 against Cramlington Town to keep themselves in the top half of the table. Early goals for Ben Keenan and Tony Brown gave Alnwick a flying start and after Jordan Watson hit back for the visitors their two-goal advantage was restored before the break by Tom Vickers. In the final minute Dale Kennedy scored a fourth for the home side who have remained unbeaten in their last five outings.

Stocksfield have won two and drawn two of their four most recent league games after beating Seaton Delaval 2-1 at Wheatridge Park. A goal in each half for Josh Brooks and Phil Murray set the visitors up for the kill. Carl Bennington punished an error by Stocksfield keeper Peter Adnitt to get Delaval off the mark but that was their last shout.

After five games, late starters Newcastle University secured their first league point with a goal-less draw against Murton at Cochrane Park and Murton are yet to win away from home. Meanwhile the strength of the wind at Northburn caused Shankhouse’s home game against Killingworth Sporting to be called off.

DIVISION ONE – RUTHERFORD STUNG BY SEATON BURN
First Division leaders Gateshead Rutherford had their hundred percent home record terminated by Seaton Burn who picked up their first away point from their 1-1 draw at Lobley Hill. Despite being at the bottom end of the table the Burn posed some problems for their high-ranking hosts and after an hour were fired in front by Dave Hewitt. Rutherford had three goals disallowed for offside but with nine minutes to go Craig Horsfall’s leveller saved some of their dignity.

Now in fourth spot, Whitley Bay A had to be content with a 3-3 draw with Hebburn Reyrolle at Hillheads. The Bay’s goals were shared by Dean Porter, Craig Smith and Ian Lee with his first of the season. Marc Hare and Craig Malley hit back for Hebburn who had a last minute equaliser put away by Marc Lockwell.

South Shields United became the latest tormentors of Northbank who are on the bottom rung and still waiting for their first point. Over in Carlisle, South shields emerged as 2-01 victors after having Phil Elund and Phil Lawton on target in the first half. Northbank worked hard to get back in the game but their only reward was a single strike by Stuart McGarva in the 77th minute.

Cullercoats are gradually recovering last season’s fine form and claimed their first home win at the expense of a Gosforth Bohemians side which has lost its way in recent games. For the first time this term the Bohs failed to get a name on the score sheet and were beaten 1-0. Straight after the interval Rob Watson secured the points for Cullercoats and his fierce thirty-yard drive was a worthy match-winner.

Amble United’s top of the table clash with visitors Morpeth Sporting Club was called off due to the gale force wind at the coast but Peterlee Town continued their improved run away from home and won 3-1 at Chopwell to climb into a mid-table slot. Two of the Newtowners’ goals were scored by Damian Gee with Nathan Liddell also finding the net. Andrew Smith was a lone marksman for Chopwell who have picked up only a single point from their last four games.

DIVISION TWO – SINGLE GOAL STUNS NORTH SHIELDS
In the Second Division the game between fourth-placed Stobswood Welfare and visitors Whitley Bay Town was a non-starter due to Whitley’s inability to field a team. And the strong winds caused the postponement of Wallsend Boys Club’s home game against Hexham.

With Northumberland Minor Cup ties reducing the Second Division programme even further only two league games went ahead and an impressive Newcastle Chemfica outfit beat third-placed visitors North Shields Athletic 1-0. After five straight wins North Shields were sunk by a 75th minute strike by Chemfica’s Mick Crozier.

In the only other Second Division encounter hosts Newcastle BT shared the spoils with Cramlington Blue Star. The result was a 2-2 draw with the Blue Star scoring first and last through Jonathan Wardle and James Harrison. In the interim BT’s marksmen were Sean Blakey and Colin Galbraith.

Swalwell took a break from league duty but made an early exit from the Durham Minor Cup, beaten 4-2 by cup hosts Evenwood White Swan despite having Colin Beestone and Joe Adams on target.

NORTHUMBERLAND MINOR CUP – AMBLE STROLL THROUGH
Of the nine Northern Alliance teams involved in the first round of the Ideal Stelrad Northumberland Minor Cup, there were three early fallers but the remaining six were able to make progress. Cullercoats Custom Planet, Newcastle East End and Willington Quay Saints were all ushered through the exit door.

The Planet were beaten 3-0 at home by league colleagues Berwick United whose goals were shared by Leigh Walker, Simon Hargreaves and Phil Lee. And Newcastle East End suffered severe disappointment away to Newcastle Chemfica Reserves. Dieu Lomana’s goal for the East Enders made it 1-1 after extra time but they were beaten 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.

Willington Quay Saints bowed out and although Mark Henderson and Gareth Pugh found the net they lost 3-2 away to cup holders Blakelaw Crofters Lodge.
Among the teams clearing the first hurdle, Amble and Wideopen & District – the two sides currently heading the Second Division table in the Alliance – were the most convincing first round winners in the Minor Cup.

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 himself a brace and the Amble tally was topped up by Adam Shanks.

Wideopen were also at home and hammered cup opponents North Shields Town 6-0. Martin Roper banged in four of the goals and the other two were supplied by his colleague Liam Jubb.

Goals for Jamie Gilbert and Danny Carr earned Forest Hall their 2-0 cup passport when they visited Lowick United and Percy Main also won away from home, beating Ashington BB Athletic 4-3. First half Percy Main goals for Malcolm Morien, Callum Colbeck and Chris Locke were wiped out by three Ashington replies after the break. There was relief all round for the Villagers when Mick Haley edged them in front again with barely a minute to spare with his goal direct from a corner kick..

Last season’s Minor Cup finalists Wallsend Town were 3-2 first round winners at home to Cullercoats Reserves, making hard work of a victory assured by goals supplied by Kevin Smith, Stephen Dodd and Tony Senagoga.

Another thirteen Northern Alliance hopefuls who received byes will be joining the fray in the Minor Cup’s second round with the draw yet to be announced. The late starters are Amble United, Cramlington Blue Star, Gosforth Bohemians, Hexham, Morpeth Sporting Club, Newcastle British Telecom, Newcastle Chemfica, North Shields Athletic, Seaton Burn, Tynemouth United, Wallington, Wallsend Boys Club and Whitley Bay Town.