After scoring six times in each of their last two games, Stokesley SC are confident of landing silverware before the end of the season.

A fortnight ago they hit Whitehaven for six to reach the semi-finals of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup and last week it was the turn of one-time leaders Cleadon SC to feel the might of the Teessiders.

"We are definitely on song and in addition to challenging for the championship, are also involved in four cup competitions," enthused secretary Peter Grainge.

Tomorrow, Stokesley host Windscale in the semi finals of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup while in the last four of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, they also have home advantage over rival title contenders Birtley Town.

In the quarter final of the Wearside League Cup, they are again at home with Annfield Plain visitors. Next Wednesday, they play Kirby Moorside at Whitby in the final of the North Riding County Cup.

"We have a lot to play for since we are also well placed in the league, just ten points behind leaders Birtley Town with no fewer than five games in hand.

"North Shields though, are also in a good position since they are nine points better off than us and have played just two games more than ourselves," added Grainge.

Stokesley have ambitions to move into the Albany Northern League but at present their ground does not meet the criteria. "We hope to have floodlights installed during the summer and are applying for grants to provide a seated grandstand and terracing so hopefully come next year, we will be in a position to move up," said Grainge.

Two Stokesley players meanwhile were on the bench for Whitby Town against Barrow in the UniBond League Premier Division game on Monday night. Richard Hore, who earlier in the season had a spell with the Seasiders before returning to Stokesley, and Tony Sivills have both starred during the campaign.

"It was good for the two lads but they will be with us during what is going to be a hectic end of the season. We are in a position to win no fewer than five trophies and we will be all bitterly disappointed if we do not land at least some silverware," concluded Grainge.

Birtley Town manager Dave Smith meanwhile has conceded that his side needs a miracle to retain the championship even though they are currently in pole position.

"Both North Shields and Stokesley SC are breathing down our necks. The Robins are just a point behind us with three games in hand and a vastly superior goals difference while Stokesley are also very much in contention," claimed Smith.

Even if they do not clinch the title, Smith will still contend that the club has done remarkably well after losing so many players last close season.

"We are well advanced in three cup competitions but if we fail on all four fronts, we will still consider that it has been a good season.

"The side made a really poor start to the campaign but I am still over the

moon at the progress which has been made and clearly the club has the nucleus of a championship-winning side to start next season," enthused Smith.

Last week's results:

Cleadon SC 0, Stokesley SC 6; Darlington RA 0, Boldon CA 2; Ferryhill Athletic 0, Jarrow 5; Gateshead Reserves 3, Birtley Town 3; Whitehaven 4, Washington Nissan UK 1; Annfield Plain v North Shields, Harton and Westoe v Wolviston, Barnard Castle Glaxo v Windscale, New Marske v Ryhope CW matches postponed.

Tomorrow's fixtures:

Barnard Castle Glaxo v Darlington RA, Boldon CA v Gateshead Reserves, Cleadon SC v New Marske, Ryhope CW v Jarrow, Whitehaven v Annfield Plain, Wolviston v Ferryhill Athletic.

Sunderland Shipowners' Cup semi finals (1.30 pm):

Birtley Town v North Shields, Stokesley SC v Windscale.