Stokesley SC had to settle for the runners-up position after Whitehaven clinched the championship with a five-goal romp at Annfield Plain - but they still been promoted to the second division of the Arngrove Northern League, writes Malcolm Pratt.
There has been an ongoing saga involving the ANL, Wearside League and Stokesley as to whether the club made a legitimate application. Following assurances from the FA that second-bottom Guisborough would not be relegated, the ANL inspected Stokesley's ground on Saturday and agreed to admit them.
"With FA blessing, the ANL is delighted to have had the chance to be both flexible and compassionate. It was not Stokesley's fault that their promotion couldn't be considered but equally it wasn't ours,'' said ANL chairman Mike Amos.
"With the assurance that Guisborough could not be relegated we are pleased to be able to help an ambitious club to progress.''
A spin-off is the likelihood that Peterlee Newtown will be relegated from the ANL to the Wearside League.
Whitehaven had secured the title by the halfway stage on Saturday when they were three goals ahead and they coasted to a 5-1 victory.
Stokesley have one game to play, at Ryhope CW on Wednesday, and although they can equal Whitehaven on points, there is no way they can better their goals difference. Whitehaven have scored 104 goals, far and away more than any other side, and have conceded just 26.
Boldon CA's recent good form came to an end against Cleator Moor Celtic who also scored five on their travels. Zak Rudd (3) and Carl Fillingham (2) struck with David Stephenson the home marksman.
Teesside Athletic moved into fourth position with a 2-1 victory against second-bottom Gateshead Low Fell who scored first as Chris Morris beat the offside trap.
Two goals in ten minutes were sufficient. Andrew Mitchell headed on a corner and Chris Keegans guided the ball home before scoring his second goal with a header at the back post.
An only goal by Gary Atwell 12 minutes from time was sufficient for Jarrow against Wolviston at Perth Green. The Teessiders remain fourth from the basement.
On Friday, Birtley Town lifted the Wearside League Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cleadon SC. With extra time looming, a defensive lapse opened up an opportunity for Shaun McAvoy and he tapped home.
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