Tony Bell has been around too long to count his chickens but he could not

disguise his delight at Saltburn's performances last weekend.

Defeating neighbours Redcar in a crucial Darlington Building Society NYSD League Premier Division game was a good start and winning the MacMillan Cup was simply icing on the cake.

"We are now 19 points ahead of Guisborough but I keep telling the lads there are 160 points to play for. Obviously, we are in a good position and defeating Redcar was a great result since they went into the match just two

points behind us," said Bell, who has been with Saltburn for five years and is captain for the second season.

"We have some good teams to play in our last eight fixtures and I feel any one of a number could take the title although if we maintain our form we will take some beating."

Saltburn turned in another outstanding display at Acklam Park on Sunday against Middlesbrough in the final of the MacMillan Cup.

"It was a cracking game played in the right spirit and before a good crowd. I thought we played really well again and deserved to win," enthused Bell.

Last season, Saltburn finished fifth bottom and Bell believes the signing of Pakistani Mauhtashim Rashid has transformed the side's fortunes.

"Mauhtashim was recommeded to us by his brother Umer, who is pro. at Richmondshire. We did not know too much about him but he has turned out to be a great signing.

"He has taken wickets regularly with his left-arm spinners and is no mean performer with the bat as Middlesbrough found to their cost when he hit a wonderful century," added Bell.

Bell, who spent 12 seasons with Middlesbrough before joining the Seasiders, added: "We've won the MacMillan Cup and nothing more at the moment but we will be striving in the last weeks of the season to bring the championship to Saltburn for the first time in 21 years."