SECRETARY Peter Grainge and manager Ted Watts were ebullient following Stokesley SC's outstanding victory over New Marske last weekend.

A close result was anticipated but in the event Stokesley won comfortably and still lead Birtley Town by a single point.

"We thought it would be a difficult match. New Marske are third top and had they won they would have been only two points behind us with a game in hand.

"In the circumstances, we did not want to lose so it was the icing on the cake when we scored five times and conceded just a couple of goals," enthused Grainge.

Although a number of sides are in contention for the championship, ambitious Stokesley believe the biggest threat is Birtley Town, who have played two matches fewer.

"We are going really well this season but so too are Birtley. Nevertheless, we are in good form and really fear nobody. Ted Watts was over the moon with our performance last week. The team spirit is tremendous," enthused Grainge who reiterated the club's ambition to move into the Albany Northern League.

"Work will start next month on new changing rooms, club house and offices for North Riding FA. In addition, nine acres will be levelled to provide five

pitches and extend our own pitch to meet Northern League standards." To qualify for entry into the ANL, however, Stokesley would need a seated stand and floodlights. Grainge is confident that in the near future work will be put in hand to provide both facilities.

"We really want to win the league and see where we go from there. At present we do not meet the ANL's ground criteria but we are certainly working in the right direction both on and off the field.

"We are top of the table and still involved in three Cups. In addition, we will represent the North Riding FA against Carlisle side North Bank in an Inter County competition which is to be held next month. Everything is going according to plan but we have got to keep it going."

Birtley Town, though, are just one side aiming to make Stokesley fight all the way for the championship. Despite leading 3-0 at the halfway stage against

Annfield Plain last Saturday, manager Dave Smith still thought his side could play better.

On January 4, Birtley host league rivals Wolviston in the quarter finals of the Durham Challenge Cup which means that one side from the league will be in the draw for the last four.