Auckland and District Ebac Youth League

Ferryhill Athletic juniors start 2001 in the unusual position of being top of the League and bottom of their league cup group.

With the league cup qualifying group matches coming at the start of the season, the young and inexperienced Athletic side lost four out of four games in the league cup before making a remarkable revival when the league itself got under way. A 3-0 away win to then leader Barnard Castle provided the spark.

"We know Barnard Castle were a good side, unbeaten up to that point, so beating them proved how good we really were," said team boss Kevin Hodgson, "It lifted our confidence and kick started our season."

Making his debut in that game was Phillip Appleby from Chilton - the only new signing Hodgson has made this season. "We lost a forward with a ligament injury, and Appleby was signed as a replacement," said Hodgson. "He made his debut for us at Barnard Castle and although he didn't score in that game, he has given the side something extra."

The Ferryhill side are new to the league this season having previously played as Ferryhill Town Boys in the Teesside Junior Alliance from U-12 to U-16 level. A mixture of 16 and 17-year-olds, tern of the 17-strong Ferryhill squad will still be eligible to play in the league next season.

Central midfield player Andrew Dixon has made the Durham County U-18 squad, but has so far been confined to the bench.

Ferryhill Juniors are closely connected to the senior club which provides the cash to meet running costs. The senior side currently play in the Wearside League and hope eventually to regain their former Northern League status. There is a possibility of the club returning to its former Darlington Road ground now derelict.

"There is a gap between U-16 and senior football and it's up to individuals to come forward and get involved," said Hodgson. "Sedgefield Borough Council support us as youth development with half price admission to the local leisure centre."

League

P W D L F A Pts

Ferryhill Athletic 6 3 1 2 14 11 10

Bishop Auckland 3 3 0 0 18 2 9

Barnard Castle 7 2 2 3 6 18 8

Chilton YC 4 2 0 2 16 5 6

Willington 3 1 1 1 9 4 4

West Auckland 2 1 1 0 3 2 4

Newton Aycliffe 5 1 1 3 9 27 4

Crook Town 1 1 0 0 5 1 3

Esh Winning 3 0 0 3 2 12 0

League Cup

Group A

Crook Town 3 2 1 0 13 2 7

Chilton YC 3 2 1 0 7 4 7

Esh Winning 2 1 0 1 5 3 3

Ferryhill Athletic 4 0 0 4 0 16 0

Group B

Bishop Auckland 6 5 0 1 34 13 15

West Auckland 5 4 0 1 14 9 12

Willington 5 3 0 2 7 7 9

Barnard Castle 5 1 0 4 9 15 3

Newton Aycliffe 5 0 0 5 10 30 0