High-flying New Marske gave youth its chance at the weekend - and the move reaped rich dividends.

When regular players Stephen Hodgson, James Masterman, Wayne Hughf and Gary Young were unable to make an early start for the long journey to Whitehaven, three 16-year-olds were included in the squad.

Anthony Sawdon played the full 90 minutes at right-back and during the game Adam Livingstone went into the centre of midfield and Bradley Murray was introduced on the left side of midfield.

"It is never easy to take a full squad over to Cumbria for games with Windscale and Whitehaven but we had no hesitation pitching in three youngsters," said secretary Peter Livingstone.

"The trio equipped themselves very well and helped us to a 3-0 victory which took us to within just a point of leaders Darlington RA.

"We have both played the same number of matches so next week's fixture at Brinkburn Road will be of vital importance to both clubs although there will still be an awful lot of points to play for before the end of the season."

New Marske have maintained their challenge for the championship despite losing four key players. Charlie Eales, who was joint top scorer, has moved into the Teesside League with Thornaby, Chris Keegans has joined Guisborough and Paul Harrison has transferred to Marske United. In addition, Gary Owens is out of action after breaking an ankle in the game against Stokesley SC.

The Seasiders, who have lost only three of their 16 League matches, have also progressed in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup and the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and are confident of winning silverware this season.

"We are doing very nicely and we had a good game with Whitehaven despite fielding a weakened team. The lads all enjoyed the day out and we are all optimistic," declared Livingstone who has previously been witgh Thornaby on Tees, Northallerton, South Bank and North Ormesby.

The secretary saw two of his sons in action at Whitehaven. When Adam was sent on as a substitute, he lined up with his elder brother Dean, who plays up front.

Stanley United had cause for celebration last Saturday night when they won their first league game of the season defeating Annfield Plain by a single goal.

The three points they gained doubled their tally for the season and they are now within striking distance of second-bottom Whitehaven. Long-serving manager Vince Kirkup has vowed the Hill Top team will not finish in basement position and no doubt will be hoping that his side's first win in 15 outings will kick-start an improvement in form.