THE sudden resignation of Ferryhill Athletic has altered the Wearside League table and Whitehaven are now in pole position to carry off the championship.

They are three-points clear of Cleadon SC with three games in hand on their closest rivals. Stokesley SC are third, four points off the top having played the same number of fixtures as Whitehaven. Birtley Town, who were in pole position, now find themselves down to fourth.

Stokesley SC will attempt to stay in the race at Cleator Moor Celtic today. Paul Rodham, Matthew Pickover and Andrew Murphy return for Stokesley. Jon Newton and Ian Fairlamb are doubtful.

Birtley Town's only absentee at home to Coxhoe Athletic is Mark Irwin. Teesside Athletic are minus several players when they host Nissan SSC Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Phil Northway cannot play so David Peacock will turn out for the first time this season. Gary Young, Ian Mudd and Billy Millington are out but Ian Johnson plays. It is hoped Chris Knight and Steve Thompson will be available.

New Marske visit Annfield Plain without Paul Graham, Paul Harrison and Lee Magor.

Willington played last Saturday with only eight men but manager Mark Fanning is confident of fielding a full complement at Windscale.

Anthony Ptopohlous, Kevin Osmond and Andrew Harbron are sidelined for Wolviston at Boldon CA but Stephen Kirkpatrick, Richie Walker and Ian Perry return.