Birtley Town manager Dave Smith is confident his side is now on track to challenge for the championship but admits before the season he would have settled for a top six position.

"Let's face it, we had an horrendous summer when nine of last season's title-winning squad left. Paul Bryson, Paul Terrell and Michael Pitt moved into the Albany Northern League with Consett while Bobby Cooper went to Chester-le-Street.

"Craig Peel threw in his lot with Kennek Ryhope CA and Gareth Davison went to live in Sheffield. In addition, Derek Ord, Stephen Martin and Lee Milne all decided to stop playing although recently, Derek has restarted with Chester-le-Street," declared Smith.

Birtley were therefore left with a huge void to fill and Smith was none too confident at the start of the campaign. "It took some time for the newcomers to gel but to their credit they have worked hard and settled in.

"Although praise is due to the newcomers I cannot speak too highly of the players who stuck with us. They knew it would be a rebuilding exercise and that possibly the best we could hope for was to hold our own but still they wanted to continue and play for Birtley."

Last weekend, Birtley deposed Cleadon SC as leaders to make it three wins on the trot. Previously, they had finished ahead of Gateshead Reserves and third top North Shields and they are now fourth, just three points behind leaders Stokesley SC.

Smith added: "Things are going very well at present. Last season we clinched the title but week in week out I impressed upon the players that it is a long haul and nothing has changed.

"We are handily placed at the moment but there will be some hiccups along the way, not only for us but for the other sides in contention. We need to remain focused and fight for every point.

"It is a fact that in the first 14 games we have played better against the sides near the top of the table. I am disappointed that we have only managed draws against three of the sides in the bottom four but overall, I am delighted with the progress we have achieved in such a short space of time."

Stokesley became the first side to score 50 goals when they put six past Boldon CA last Saturday. They are just two points ahead of Cleadon SC having played one game more.

Tomorrow's fixtures

Wearside League (2.30pm): Birtley Town v Jarrow, Boldon CA v Darlington RA, Cleadon SC v Ryhope CW, New Marske v North Shields, Washington Nissan UK v Ferryhill Athletic, Wolviston v Gateshead Reserves.

Durham Trophy: Sunderland Belford House v Barnard Castle Glaxo.

Sunderland Shipowners' Cup (2pm): Harton and Westoe v Windscale.

North Riding County Cup: Fishburn Park v Stokesley SC.