Following Redcar Town's last-ditch defeat of Wolviston at the week-end, North Shields now look the best bet to take Nissan's crown.

The Seasiders' were involved in an epic clash with Wolviston and ended victors in a seven-goals thriller. And while they celebrated, Wolviston bemoaned the fact that they have lost their last two fixtures by a single-goal margin. They are now six points behind leaders Nissan having played the same number of games but with an inferior goals difference.

North Shields are tucked in between the pair to battle it out for the title and promotion to the Albany Northern League.

Both sides have applied to move up the ladder and the grounds will be inspected before the end of March.

Before then, North Shields will be working flat out to improve their facilities. The pitch has been fenced in, hard standing provided but floodlights and a stand are also required by the deadline date.

"We are confident all the work will be completed on time. It would be great for the town and the club if we gained entry into the Albany Northern League but even if we fail this time we will have a much better ground and would be in an excellent position to apply in the future," said secretary David Thompson.

The Robins admit it is going to be difficult to overtake Nissan, who won the title last season.

There are four points between the sides. North Shields have a game in hand and a better goals difference but Nissan have been impressive all season and a couple of weeks ago defeated Wolviston.

"There are still 45 points to play for so there is a long way go go. We have won 36 of our last 50 fixtures and lost just seven times. We appointed Terry Paddison manager about 18 months ago and he has worked wonders so although we

know it will be tough we are all optimistic," added Thompson.

Nissan reached the semi-finals of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup at the weekend, defeating Thornaby-on-Tees and will play Windscale who had a walk-over when Birtley Town failed to send a side to Cumbria.

"Birtley informed us on the morning of the game that they only had eight players. We would have liked to have staged the tie but nevertheless will look forward to playing Nissan. It should be a great game," said Windscale official Craig Heggie.

North Shields' delayed tie with Jarrow takes place tomorrow and the winners meet Harton and Westoe, emphatic winners at Whitevhaven