The Albany Northern League Today

Roofing have hit top goalscoring form in recent weeks, and last week beat title chasing Bedlington 5-3 after being 3-0 and 5-1 up during the game.

And with the two teams set to meet again this Saturday in the FA Vase, Roofing could cause Bedlington more misery.

"I hate playing boring football," said McLoughlin.

"I want to play three strikers up front, play attractive football and create chances.

"Sometimes we get bad days, but the good days far outweigh them."

McLoughlin isn't getting carried away by the win when the two teams meet on Saturday. "Bedlington are still a decent team, and it will be a hard game."

Bedlington joint manager Tony Lowery revealed that there was an after match inquest following the recent defeat.

"We sat down with the players for 30 minutes after the match, because nobody has come to Bedlington and done that to us. The players thought that they just had to walk on to the pitch to win the game. It is a massive game for us in the Vase."

The two teams surprisingly drew 0-0 during the week in the League Cup, only the second time this season Roofing have failed to score.

Any Northern League club wishing to take promotion to the UniBond League at the end of the season must inform the league by October 24.

There will be a big shake up of non league football at UniBond League level and above, and it is possible the UniBond could be looking for as many as 13 clubs to fill vacancies.

There has been no movement upwards from the Northern League to the UniBond for several years now, both for geographical and cost reasons, but there could be a change of heart at some clubs.

Whitley Bay have said on several occasions that they would like to return to the UniBond after their relegation four years ago, but there has been no indication yet from the club, or any other Northern League club , that they are going to do so.

If any club does indicate, they will be forwarded an application form, and the Northern League will inform the UniBond League.

In a separate move, the FA will also contact all ANL First Division clubs to establish the amount of interest in a newly-restructured UniBond League, and they could also move clubs from the ANL to the UniBond.

Long serving Dunston chairman Malcolm James says next Saturday's FA Cup tie against Lancaster City is the biggest in the club's history.

Dunston have already made history by reaching the fourth qualifying round stage for the first time, but they can create even more history by getting through to the first round proper.

James said: "Without doubt, this is the biggest ever match played by the club, bigger than the time we reached the FA Vase quarter final against Gresley. Without doubt, this is the one."

The downside of Dunston's success is that they have played only five league games to date.

"It will be the end of October before we play another league game," said James. "We played Guisborough in the League Cup last Tuesday, we have Brandon in the Vase next, a Durham Challenge Cup tie on Tuesday, and then the big one in the FA Cup on the Saturday.

"But we're thoroughly enjoying every moment."

The Northern League is organising a Christmas social gathering for its clubs on Thursday, December 18 at West Auckland FC.

The evening will include carols, a seasonal quiz and a Salvation Army band. Chairman Mike Amos and league chaplain Leo Osborn are organising the evening, and Amos said: "It's one of those all to rare occasions when we can gather together without proceedings being dominated by formalities. Whilst we acknowledge that no venue can be central, we hope that all clubs will want to share in a little Christmas camaraderie.''

Admission will be free, and advance tickets are available.

Morpeth have had three points deducted for fielding an unregistered player, Tim Wilson, in their first game of the season at Jarrow Roofing. Their opponents can ask for the match to be replayed, but this is unlikely as Roofing won 3-2.

Newcastle Blue Star have also had three points deducted in the Second Division for fielding an unregistered player, Ian Mills, at home to Newcastle Benfield Saints on August 26th. Saints have asked for the game to be replayed as they lost the game 2-1, which means that Blue Star now have just eight points.

The latest Performance of the Week awards are: 23rd August; Whickham for their 3-0 win at Garforth in the FA Cup, 30th August; Murton for their 4-3 win at Seaham Red Star; September 6th; Billingham Town for their 1-0 FA Cup win over Brigg Town, September 13th; Brandon for their 1-0 FA Cup win at Clitheroe, September 20th; Jarrow Roofing for their 4-1 FA Vase win at Harrogate RA, September 27th; Norton for their 3-2 win at Washington Nissan, and October 4th; Shildon for their 5-1 FA Cup win over Frickley.

Peterlee manager Andy Toman was delighted with his side's victory over Bedlington last Saturday.

Peterlee beat the five times champions 3-2 to go level on points with them in the top eight of the table, but Toman, who has been in charge for exactly a year, isn't getting carried away.

"We've come a long way in the last year, but there is still plenty of work to do. The players must keep their feet on the ground."

Peterlee have had problem off the field in recent weeks, but not of their own making.

On two separate occasions in midweek games, fireworks have been thrown at players, and the FA's compliance officer has been involved on the issues of player and spectator safety.

However, the police were present in the last midweek game against Jarrow Roofing, and this appears to have had an effect.

Tow Law's home game against Bedlington next Saturday is poised to break a league record.

After already passing 5,000 goals in the league this season, Lawyers' game against Roofing will be their 2,563rd, passing the record of South Bank. The League is to make a presentation to the club.

Crook chairman Steve Buddle has revealed that Vince Kirkup was so keen to take on the manager's job at Millfield, that Kirkup phoned him from his Spanish holiday to apply for it.

"While Vince was away, he phoned me three times from Spain to talk about things.

"He put us on the trail of several players who we tried to sign in time for Saturday's Vase game at Ramsbottom.

"Vince was very keen to take over, and get involved in the job. When he came back on Monday, he called the players together for a chat, because he didn't want to go cold into the League Cup game at Peterlee."

Guisborough manager Steve Corden has revealed that he's used 27 players already this season.

"It's only two fewer than we used in the whole of last season," said Corden.

"It was incredible when we played Brandon a couple of weeks ago. We had 15 players unavailable for various reasons, so I had to go on the bench."

After a top half finish last season, Guisborough are bottom this season, and Corden said: "Our problem is that we haven't been able to pick the same team twice, and we've had to put players out of position."

Washington Nissan have placed midfielder Phil Makel on the transfer list at his own request.

Peterlee have signed defender Johnny Payne from Hartlepool Town, while Shotton have signed full back Ricky Farrell from Norton.

Esh Winning defender Lee Bellamy is the latest player to be linked with a move away from the club.

After the departure of keeper Lee Robinson for Glasgow Rangers last month, full back Bellamy is being watched by clubs from higher leagues.

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES

FA Vase First round: Colne v Washington Nissan, Crook v Ramsbottom, Dunston v Brandon, Guisborough v Peterlee, Hall Road Rangers v Ashington, Jarrow Roofing v Bedlington, Selby v Newcastle Benfield Saints, Shildon v Garforth, St Helens v Willington, Warrington v Esh Winning, Winterton Rangers v Billingham Synthonia.

Division One: Chester-le-Street v West Auckland, Morpeth v Penrith, Thornaby v Marske, Tow Law v Billingham Town, Washington v Durham City, Whitley Bay v Horden.

Division Two: Consett v Easington, Kennek Ryhope CA v Hebburn, Murton v Newcastle Blue Star, Northallerton v Alnwick, Norton v Whickham, Prudhoe v South Shields, Shotton v Evenwood.