Harton and Westoe manager Billy Newham is still hopeful his side can clinch the treble.

Last week's massive victory at Annfield Plain consolidated fourth position, eight points adrift of leaders Nissan. And with 74 goals, Harton and Westoe are just a goal adrift of top scorers North Shields.

"It was a huge win for us against Annfield Plain and totally unexpected at the halfway stage," said Newham who is in his second season in charge.

"I told the lads during the interval to keep a clean sheet and that a 2-0 win would be a good result. Annfield Plain are a good side and I would have been happy to settle for a two-goals victory.

"Our second-half performance was blistering. We played some brilliant football and finished 8-0 ahead. All the players are on a high and I will be very disappointed if we do not win at least one competition," enthused Newham.

The boss confessed, however, that his team has a lot to do to overtake Nissan especially as North Shields and Wolviston are also in the championship race.

"We have beaten Wolviston and drawn with Nissan in recent weeks so we have shown our credentials. North Shields lost last weekend and I believe it is still all to play for although obviously we are the outsiders."

Newham played for a number of clubs in South Tyneside before becoming assistant manager and then boss of Wearside League rivals Boldon CA. He took the opportunity to move to Harton and Westoe who have plans to completely redevelop the ground.

"Ian Potts also came with me from Boldon CA as my assistant and we are really enjoying the task of promoting Harton and Westoe.

"Besides being involved in the race for the title we visit Whitehaven a week tomorrow in the quarter final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and will play Stanley United next month for a place in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup."

Chairman Bob Shepherd is pleased that his managerial pair have done so well in such a short space of time.

"We play good football and there is no reason why we cannot go all the way this season.

"We are a little bit off the pace-setters but our form recently has been superb and I am sure the leading trio will be looking over their shoulders for our results," declared Shepherd whose vision is to make Harton and Westoe one of the top sides both on and off the field.

North Shields, meanwhile, have lost former Hartlepool United boss Mick Tait, who has linked up with Gary Bennett at Darlington.

"Mick never let us down and was a very good influence on the side. His vast experience was invaluable to us and we wish him well at Feethams," said Robins secretary David Thompson