Wolviston always knew it would be difficult to emulate last season's achievements but even so, they are disappointed with their current position.

They go into tomorrow's game against North Shields at Metcalfe seventh and 14 points adrift of the leaders.

"It was a major achievement finishing runners-up and winning the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup last season and we were under no illusion that we faced a difficult campaign, said secretary Keith Simpson.

"Every side wants to beat a winning team but nevertheless we thought we would be in a better position than we are at present. We had our sights set on a top four place and the ambition is still achieveable but it is very likely that winning a cup is a more realistic target."

Wolviston's problems lie mainly in defence since only four sides have conceded more goals.

At the other end of the field, Wolviston have no problem finding the net and their total of 38 is bettered only by Birtley Town, Stokesley SC and Gateshead Reserves.

"We suffered a blow when Andy Clark joined Washington Nissan in the Albany Northern League. We signed Gareth Murphy to replace him but now he is serving a 112-day ban picked up playing Sunday football.

"A successful side needs a settled defence and unfortunately we have not had one. John Patterson, who left us for a couple of years returned but unfortunately, he has been in and out of the team."

It is not all doom and gloom for Wolviston, however, since they are unbeaten in cup competitions and next Tuesday visit Spennymoor United in the Durham Challenge Cup.

"We are the smallest club left in the competition and we will be very much the under-dogs but now and again cup ties throw up an unexpected winner and who knows, it might be our turn at Spennymoor," added Simpson, whose side is still involved in the three domestic cup competitions.

On the field, Simon Colligan has interested Grimsby Town and Simpson describes him as a player with good vision with the ability to make telling, long passes.

Kieron White is like a good wine, according to Simpson. "He just gets better and better as does Andy Steele. He scored 35 goals last season and has 12 already this time.

"He seems to score in just about every game he plays and another player to impress is Paul Kreczak who has been named in the league side to play the Liverpool League on November 22."

Wolviston have a lot of ground to make up if they are to have any chance of winning the title. Birtley Town moved to the top for the first time this season following last Saturday's programme but although they are three points better off, second-placed Stokesley SC have two matches in hand.

North Shields are third, six points adrift of the leaders but they have fulfilled three fewer fixtures while Cleadon SC and New Marske are also in with a chance as the season heads towards the halfway stage.