Cleadon SC are a changed side this season, surprising some by becoming the League's pace-setters.

"If you had asked me before the start of the season if I thought we would be top of the table going into October, I would probably have said no but I did expect that we would be in the top four at this stage of the campaign," enthused Cleadon SC manager Doug Key.

Cleadon have, without doubt, been the surprise side so far and not many independent observers will agree with Key's observations but 12 games into the season they have a clear lead at the top and on Saturday beat Northern League Crook in the Durham Challenge Cup.

The manager reckons the key to success has been the hard work put in during the summer and the tremendous team spirit which exists.

"I asked Ian Potts if he would come in and take training and before he took on the job he wanted to know what our ambitions were. I told him I would be very disappointed if we did not finish in the top four and there is no doubt that we have raised a few eyebrows but it is all down to team work and commitment.

"Ian has done a great job but I always said we would be okay if we made a good start. Nobody can claim we have been lucky in 12 games - you only get to the top at this stage by playing well week in, week out," Key said.

After an horrendous start to the 2002/3 season, Cleadon improved considerably leading Key to believe that the future was bright.

"I never doubted we would have a much better season and we had no fewer than 20 players turn up for our last League match. We have beaten some good sides so far and Wolviston were no exception. It should be remembered that they were runners-up last season and had they beaten us, they would have been on the fringe of the championship race."

Key has instilled into his players that they must be disciplined on the pitch and there have been fewer bookings. He was disappointed therefore, that striker Mark Johnson should be sent off for the second successive week.

"He is an old-fashioned centre forward, good in the air and at harrassing defenders. I do not condone lads getting red-carded but I do think he has been a little unlucky. He now faces a suspension but it is something we will have to live with but hopefully, even without him, we can keep the good run going," said Key.

Tomorrow's fixtures

Annfield Plain v New Marske

Glaxo v North Shields

Cleadon FC v Birtley Town

Darlington RA v Nissan UK

Ferryhill Ath v Harton and Westoe

Gateshead Res v Ryhope CW

Jarrow v Wolviston

Stokesley FC v Boldon CA