Ryhope CW weren't exactly singing in the rain last week but nevertheless they were delighted with their victory over Barnard Castle Glaxo which propelled them into seventh position - their highest rating for a long time.

Last season, the Wearsiders struggled throughout but following changes in their playing strength during the summer new manager Chris Linstead set a target of a top six finish.

And secretary Dougie Bennison, who also took over during the close season, is confident that the goal will be achieved.

"Our previous manager Ronnie Crosby suggested that Chris, who played for us last season, should succeed him. Ronnie was quite happy to be number two and the partnership has worked very effectively," enthused Bennison.

"The pair brought in a number of players including three juniors all of whom have done exceptionally well. James Smith played for Durham County Youth FA in the FA County Youth Cup tie against Cheshire last Saturday. He was previously with Bishop Auckland and came to us to get regular first team football and gain experience.

"Anthony Douthwaite and Shaun Petch are two former Ryhope juniors who have come through the ranks and we also signed Stephen Leadbitter from Chester le Street.

He proved a great acquisition but joined Jarrow Roofing and is now at Scarborough."

Bennison reckons that Ryhope's latest win over Barnard Castle proves how far they have come. "I rated them a very good young strong side but I thought we played well.

"A year ago we would have struggled but we are now keeping pace with some of the best teams in the league and with three players coming back after being out injured for some time, the manager is going to have a stronger squad to choose from."

Paul Hamilton, Liam Routledge and Kevin Bennison have all been sidelined but even so Linstead has had a squad of 19 to choose from.

"We are not going to win anything this season since we are out for the three cups we entered but certainly the future looks a lot brighter. This season though the objective is to end in the top six and we are on course to meet our target."

Ferryhill Athletic, meanwhile, are confident they can avoid the wooden spoon.

They have languished at the bottom for most of the campaign but last Saturday's victory against Annfield Plain took them to within two points of second-from-basement Washington Nissan UK.

"Ending as high up the table is what we are after but just getting off the bottom would be a good start. For the first time in weeks we are within striking distance of our rivals and I am optimistic that we will avoid bottom spot," said manager Mark Fanning.

Saturday's results: Ferryhill Athletic 1, Annfield Plain 0. Played midweek: Ryhope CW 4, Barnard Castle Glaxo 2.

North Riding County Cup Quarter Final: Stokesley SC 2, Grangetown Boys Club 0.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Wearside League (2pm): Barnard Castle Glaxo v Birtley Town, Boldon CA v North Shields, Darlington RA v Whitehaven, Harton and Westoe v Stokesley SC, Jarrow v Gateshead Reserves, Ryhope Cw v Cleadon SC, Washington Nissan UK v Wolviston, Windscale v Ferryhill Athletic.

North Riding County Cup Quarter Final: Beads v New Marske.