The Wearside League's newest club is run entirely by secretary Martyn Jackson and manager David Woodcock and the pair are determined to continue the progress which has been made in recent seasons.

"We do everything between us. We carry out all the administration, raise money, transfer players, wash the strips, coach and manage and anything else you can think of," enthused Martyn who reckons the club's best signing was ''when one lad said his mother would prepare the after-match food!''

After several years in the Darlington and District League, RA moved into the Auckland and District League three years ago and last season won the championship, the Auckland Charity Cup, the Darlington Charity Cup and the Sacriston Aged Miners' Cup.

"We thought about applying to join the Teesside League but decided instead to give it a go in the Wearside League. We know it is a step up and it will be hard work, but we get a lot of support from the players and we will give it our best shot," added Martyn.

Manager Woodcock is equally enthusiastic about the club's future. Both he and Martyn live close to the RA ground and believes that his previous involvement as a player with Sunderland, Darlington and the non-league scene, has equipped him for the role.

"Martyn and I just enjoy what we do. We have no committee and we just get on with the job. Obviously, we want RA to continue and be successful but equally, the standard of our football and a happy camp are just as important," said David.

RA have made a satisfactory in their new surroundings. They won their first game at Boldon CA 3-0, gained a creditable 3-3 draw with New Marske before losing by the only goal when they staged their first home game against Windscale last weekend