So far so good, is the verdict of secretary Peter Grainge on Stokesley SC, who lead the table on goal difference from Birtley Town.

To date, Stokesley have won 11, drawn one and lost three of their 15 games and with 55 goals, are the leading scorers.

"We went down to Birtley Town, North Shields and New Marske, who are in the top five yet we are still in pole position with a better goals difference and a game in hand on Birtley," declared Grainge.

Despite promising much last season, Stokesley did not win a trophy and Grainge insists that the team will remedy the situation this time around.

"We have a decent squad of about 18 players following the recent arrival of Adam Bramley and Mark Chisholm. Manager Ted Watts brought the two in to strengthen his pool of players and Adam scored a couple of goals on his debut at Whitehaven last weekend.

"Mark played his first game in the recent North Riding County Cup tie at Fishburn Park. The two lads look as if they will be assets and hopefully help us to win at least one trophy although obviously the championship is our first aim," added Grainge.

Boldon CA manager Norman Hunter is another who is pleased with the squad which gether. "I believe it is the strongest side I have had in any job and the recent acquisition of coach Michael Mulhearn is definitely a boost.

"During the summer I brought in Michael Meek, Keith McRichie and Keith Mason from Harton and Westoe, Graeme Cairns and David Carr from Hebburn, Simon Johnson moved to us from Gateshead and Andrew Hunter came in from local football.

"We made a good start to the season but dropped away a little when we had players on holiday and others suspended but we are still very handily placed in the race for the title and, with the squad at the club's disposal, I really believe we have a chance to maintain a challenge," enthused Hunter.

Tomorrow's fixtures

Wearside League (2pm): Birtley Town v Boldon CA, Cleadon SC v Harton and Westoe, DArlington RA v Ryhope CW.

Wearside League Cup first round (1.30 pm): Ferryhill Athletic v Stokesley SC.

Monkwearmouth Charity Cup first round (1.30 pm): Annfield Plain v Wolviston, New Marske v Barnard Castle Glaxo.

Northumberland Senior Cup First Round replay (1.30pm): Ponteland United v North Shields.

Cumberland County Cup second round (1.30pm): Keswick v Windscale, Whitehaven v Wetheriggs.