Gateshead Reserves may be languishing in midtable but manager Alan Bell is confident he is fulfilling the brief given to him by chairman Mike Coulson.

Bell took over during last close season when the International Stadium side's application to the Wearside League was successful.

"Last season, the first team operated with a small squad and was relegated from the Premier Division of the UniBond League. I was told that I had to develop the potential of young players who could cover for suspensions and injuries but also move up into the UniBond League if they became good enough.

"Already two have made the grade, and in addition the Reserves have been able to fill in when first team manager Derek Bell has been short because of suspensions and injuries," said Alan Bell.

"At times, my dressing room has been like a revolving door but I don't mind.

"This is what we are here for and whilst it is important to win games, it is not our top priority this season.

"The club is developing and is in a better shape now with a bigger squad.

"Probably 90 per cent of the lads playing for my reserve side were involved with junior football just a few months ago."

Alan Bell spent a number of years with Carlisle United and also played for Penrith and Gretna before returning to the North-East. He played for Gateshead, Durham City and Walker Central before becoming manager of Northern Alliance side Walker Central and moved on to Newcastle Benfield Saints who were promoted under his guidance to the Albany Northern League last season.

The race for the championship meanwhile, currently centres around three clubs who have opened up a gap on fourth-top Cleadon SC.

Birtley Town's lead was reduced to three points when they were held to a draw by Ryhope CW last weekend and Stokesley SC and North Shields are now within striking distance.

The pair have equal points and have played the same number of games, two fewer than the leaders. Tomorrow, North Shields are at home to Birtley in a fixture which is of huge importance to both clubs.

Saturday's results: Boldon CA 3, Annfield Plain 1; Cleadon SC 1, North Shields 3; Ryhope CW 3, Birtley Town 3; Stokesley SC 4, Jarrow 0; Washington Nissan UK 2, Harton and Wesxtoe 3; Whitehaven 0, Darlington RA 0; Ferryhill Athletic v Windscale, Gateshead Reserves v Barnard Castle Glaxo, New Marske v Wolviston, matches postponed, grounds unfit.