South Cleveland Garages Teesside League

The League's version of the Community Shield took place at League Champions Grangetown Boys Club, who entertained MacMillan Bowl holders Thornaby Football Club. After a bright start on a wet day, on a surprisingly good pitch the Boys Club took a 15th minute lead through Ian McGowan, not to be deterred Thornaby drew level five minutes later through Neil Preston, but the Boys Club struck back and took a 3-1 lead into half time with a second from McGowan in the 25th minute and the third from Michael Meggison in the 30th minute. In the second half Thornaby pressed forward and five minutes into the second half Charlie Eeles pulled it back to 3-2. The match swung end to end and a good run by Danny Jones in the 70th minute brought about the equaliser when he pulled the ball back to Preston who made no mistake for 3-3 and with the match entering the final stages Preston turned on the ball and unleashed a shot that looked to be heading for the net, but the ball skimmed the top of the crossbar. Grangetown retained the Trophy after winning the penalty shoot-out 5-4.

The League gets under way tomorrow with a two division set up for the first time in its history. A total of 16 teams in the first and 12 in the second, the first division will be again contested by League Champions Grangetown BC, Runner-up Nunthorpe Athletic, who at one time last season looked favourites, but feel away, Acklam SW who can never be written off, Carlin How and Bedale FC. The second division is an unknown quantity but SMG Redstripes, Hartlepool side Teesside Arriva and Dormans could be the front runners, but it's certain nine other clubs will make it a competitive season.

First Division round-up

BEADS have had two friendlies beating new second division side Teesside Arriva 2-0, but lost to Redcar Town 2-1.

Bedale's friendly results have resulted them scoring in 40 goals and conceding three. They have added former Richmond Town striker Wayne Gredziak to their already impressive forward line.

Carlin How have played four pre-season matches a 7-1 win over new second division side Teesside Athletic, a 3-0 win over local side Loftus, they lost to Northern League side Marske United 3-2 and beat another local side Boosbeck 3-0.

Fishburn Park have added John Maxwell, Neil Waterfield, David Swales and David Price to the squad.

Grangetown Boys Club have signed Paul Cochrane who joins his brother in the squad while Paul Cassidy has returned from Norton.

Mackinlay Park's first new signing is a new manager Jimmy Allen, an experienced manager in the Teesside League who has seen his team beat their second team 2-1.

New Marske SC are under the care of Steve Watson a long team member of the club, as a player and a former manager, he has added a couple of youngsters to the squad.

Nunthorpe Athletic have played some very good sides in pre-season matches losing 3-0 to Bedlington Terriers, 4-0 to Guisborough Town, a narrow 1-0 defeat against Wearside League side Wolviston and a 3-1 defeat against Dunston.

Richmond Town have played new second division side Darlington Simpson Rolling Mills and won 2-1 and they have added a number of youngsters to their squad.

Stokesley SC have secured a good sponsorship deal from William Haywood and are looking forward to the new season and beat Cockfield 4-1 and Mackinlay Park 3-2.

Thornaby FC have played a couple of pre-season matches, losing to Billingham Town 4-2, but beat Thornaby Mandale 4-1.

Thornaby YC warmed up for the new season with a last minute 1-0 defeat at Crook but they beat Wolviston Wearside League side 5-1.

Whitby Town Reserves manager Jimmy Scott is hoping to improve on last season's performance and have warmed up with two good wins, a 5-1 win over Kirkbymoorside and a 3-2 win over Leeds side Garforth.

Wolviston Reserves have been rocked by a serious injury to one of their young players. Sixteen-year-old James Taggert suffered a badly broken leg in Wolviston's last friendly of the summer against Darlington East End and it has left the entire squad shattered.