It's been a great day for Jarrow," enthused chairman Jimmy Kane following his side's nail-biting victory over Birtley Town in the final of the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

"We have all waited a long time for this and let's face it, we were the underdogs but on the day we gave as good as we got from Birtley and deserved to lift the trophy," Kane added.

Birtley, who had already won the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, were the favourites in Monday's final but it was Jarrow who struck first through Paul Donaghy.

Birtley level with the first of two goals from Jason Melling but when Paul Scott equalised, the score remained 2-2 following extra time.

"The first 120 minutes were bad enough on the nerves but the penalty shoot-out was unbelievable. At the end, though, we won 4-3 on penalties and the celebrations started."

In the last two seasons, Jarrow finished in the bottom two on each occasion and although their form in the Wearside League has been only a little better, they have played well in cup competitions.

"We have a platform to build on. We have improved this season and hopefully will go forward. After all, nobody would have given us a chance of winning a cup when the season started," said Kane.

Darlington RA are clinging onto their slender hopes of winning the championship.

They defeated Boldon CA 4-1 in Wednesday's programme with goals from Steve Johnson and Michael Carter, who both scored twice but have to beat leaders North Shields at Ralph Gardner Park tomorrow to stay in the race.

"We have not given up the fight but it will be a very tall order. Even if we succeed against North Shields, they would still require just one point from their final game with Boldon CA so they are very much in the driving seat," said manager David Woodcock.

New Marske, who until recently were in with a shout, are ending the season in style. Following Monday's 4-1 victory over Windscale, they hammered Whitehaven 7-0 as the goals flowed from brothers Greg and Richard Booth, who both scored twice, Ian Johnson and Ben Walker (2).