Birtley Town are on cloud nine this week after becoming the League's leading scorers and extending their lead at the top of the table.

"We are doing much better than I anticipated," declared happy manager David Smith. "After winning the league last season a number of players left us during the summer and I had to bring in several new faces.

"It has taken time for them to gel and although I am not predicting we will retain the championship, I feel reasonably confident that we will end in the top four."

Two signings who have been a big hit are Michael McKay and Craig McManus. Smith saw McKay playing five-a-side and was immediately convinced that he could do a very good job in the Wearside League.

"It took me a bit of time to persuade him but I am pleased I managed since he has been a good signing as has Craig McManus who only a year ago was playing for Lumley in the Rohm and Haas JOC Hetton Youth League.

"It is a big step up for a youngster but Craig has taken the move in his stride ,"added Smith.

According to the manager, Birtley are a much different team this time. "Last season, we had a lot of strength and experience but now the team is made up of younger players who have pace and flair.

"This is why we have managed to score 62 goals in just 18 games but on the other hand, we have conceded 38 - twice as many as second-placed Stokesley SC. Still, it is exciting football to watch and I am not complaining," enthused Smith.

Birtley is the first Saturday club that Smith has managed. He took over three years ago guiding the side to a couple of cup successes in his first season before taking them to the championship earlier this year.

"It isn't a secret that I was approached during the close season but I'm very happy at Birtley. They are an ambitious club who aim to move up the ladder and continue improving the facilities and hopefully, I can help them along the way," added Smith.

After scoring nine goals last Saturday, Birtley are now five points ahead of Stokesley SC but their rivals have two games in hand.

North Shields, who scored twice in stoppage time to win last weekend, are just six points adrift of the leaders and they have played three games fewer and at this stage, Birtley could even be caught by Cleadon SC and New Marske.

"I'm pleased we are out in front but there is an awful long way to go and I hope nobody is getting carried away. There are some very good sides challenging.

"It is almost certain that one of the current top five sides will win the championship and from my point of view we've just got to keep plugging away and play how we know best, which is to attack at every opportunity."

Tomorrow's fixtures

Wearside League (2pm): Annfield Plain v Wolviston, Barnard Castle Glaxo v Cleadon SC, Birtley Town v Windscale, Darlington RA v North Shields, Ferryhill Athletic v Washington Nissan UK, Jarrow v Boldon CA, Whitehaven v Gateshead Reserves.

North Riding County Cup (1.30pm): New Marske v Cayton Corinthians, Thornaby YC v Stokesley SC.