North Shields, 'over the moon' at their last-minute victory against championship rivals New Marske last weekend, have appointed Paul Ross as assistant manager.

His association with the club goes back a long way and in 1982 he played against Halifax in a memorable FA Cup tie. He has also been connected with Berwick Rangers, Blyth Spartans and Gretna.

"Paul has been a great servant to North Shields and we are delighted that he will still play for us. He has made 169 appearances and scored 57 goals, including a couple in the recent game against Barnard Castle Glaxo," enthused secretary David Thompson.

Manager Wilf Keilty is still waiting to make his 250th start for the Robins and once again he did not name himself in last week's victorious team.

"Wilf obviously thought he was not needed and directed the game from the touchline. When we went into the last minute we would probably have settled for a draw so to win was absolutely magnificent and needless to say we were all ecstatic," added Thompson.

The three points took North Shields into second position, behind Stokesley SC only on goals difference. The pair have played the same number of games while third-top Birtley Town, who match their rivals for points, have played one fixture more than both teams.

Keilty believes though that a number of sides are capable of challenging for the title and considers that the outcome will not be decided until the end of the season.

"Wilf is not counting any chickens but he is pleased with the way the lads are playing, their positive approach and the camaraderie. Everybody is pulling together which augurs well for the rest of the season," Thompson claimed.

The North Shields under-19 side meanwhile are also top of their competition, The Tyne Valley Insurance League, having won all six games with a goals difference of 30 for and only two against.

"Rob Marshall and Alan Young are joint managers and doing a sterling job. The youth side is very much an integral part of the club and one or two players have made it into the first team," said Thompson.

Keilty, meanwhile, has taken on a new role, having been appointed manager of the League side with Stokesley SC's Ted Watts his assistant. They take a team to play the Liverpool County Combination in the FA National League System Cup on November 22. The winners of the competition will go into Europe.

"It is a great honour for Wilf and for North Shields and we are fully behind him in his new position as manager of the league side," Thompson said.

Tomorrow's fixtures

League (2.30pm): Barnard Castle Glaxo v New Marske, Darlington RA v Birtley Town, Gateshead Reserves v Jarrow, Harton and Westoe v Washington Nissan UK, Ryhope v Windscale, Whitehaven v Stokesley SC.

Northumberland Senior Cup (2.30pm): North Shields v Ponteland United.

Durham Challenge Cup, first round: Annfield Plain v Jarrow Roofing, Boldon CA v Wolviston (1.30pm), Ferryhill Athletic v Billingham Synthonia (at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon 2pm), Cleadon SC v Kennek Ryhope CA.