A year ago Jarrow were down and just about out.

They gained just one point until the beginning of 2003 when all of a sudden their form took off and they ended the season in a respectable position.

And so far this season they have 22 points more than at this stage last November. "It has certainly been a rags to riches transformation. Nobody gave us a chance when we took just one point between August and January but I am pleased that the improvement we saw in the latter stages of last season has been continued," enthused assistant manager Mick Hutchinson.

Ahead of their home game against Washington Nissan UK tomorrow, Jarrow are tenth and Hutchinson firmly believes that the side is good enough to end in the top six.

"We are going well having won two local derbies in recent weeks. We gave our worst performance of the season losing 4-1 to Gateshead Reserves but the result acted as a stimulant and we've really been on song in our last three games.

"We only lost by the odd goal to leaders Birtley Town before defeating Harton and Westoe and Boldon CA, two sides who are still above us in the table."

Jarrow are now in their highest position since they joined the league but Hutchinson reckons they should be in an even higher place.

"In my view we should have won all the five games we have drawn. There is no doubt we were the better side and another 10 points would have put us right up near the top," claimed Hutchinson, who believes that Jarrow's is a fairy tale story.

The League made their first foray into the FA National League System Cup on Saturday and despite losing to Liverpool County Combination, team manager Wilf Keilty was pleased with the performance.

He paid special tribute to North Shields, Stokesley SC, Wolviston, New Marske, Darlington RA and Harton and Westoe who provided the players and to Annfield Plain physio Jack Nicholson.

Wolviston official Keith Simpson, one of the most respected in the League, was in charge of administration.

Tomorrow's fixtures

League (2pm): Barnard Castle Glaxo v Annfield Plain.

Monkwearmouth Charity Cup (1.30pm): Birtley Town v New Marske, Boldon CA v Harton and Westoe, Cleadon SC v Wolviston, Gateshead Reserves v Ferryhill Athletic, Jarrow v Washington Nissan UK, Ryhope CW v Darlington RA, Stokesley SC v Windscale, Whitehaven v North Shields.