Arngrove Northern League

May 3 2008 The Journal

NORTHALLERTON Town will decide not only their own fate but also that of Bishop Auckland when they play the final game of the season in the Arngrove Northern League Division at Morpeth Town this afternoon.

Northallerton are currently second from bottom but just two points behind Bishop Auckland.

Victory for the visitors would see them escape the drop and consign Bishops to the second division.

But should Northallerton fail to claim maximum points, Bishops, once one of the most successful teams in the North East, would survive.

On Monday, Ryton will host the final of the Earnest Armstrong Memorial Cup between Esh Winning and Sunderland RCA.

The competition is for second division clubs only and will kick off at 11am.

Next Wednesday sees the final of the ANL Cup when Billingham Town take on Shildon at Seaham Red Star (7pm).

The remaining fixture is in Division Two between Birtley Town and champions Penrith Town. The game was cancelled early in the week and next Wednesday has been pencilled in as a provisioned date.

With Jarrow Roofing and Washington already relegated from the first division, the only outstanding league position is who will join them, and that decision will become clear at Craik Park this afternoon.

Penrith are champions of Division Two and move up to the top flight alongside South Shields and Ryton.

Brandon United, meanwhile, could save their second division status if Whitehaven fail to end second in the Wearside league.

The Cumbrians are the only side capable of claiming promotion but must finish second and are being hotly pursued particularly by Jarrow.