Doesn’t it seem odd not to see the name of Dunston Fed as the winners of the League Cup? In recent seasons, they had virtually made the Cup their own property, but at least Fed could argue that they went out to probably the best team in the League this season, Bedlington. The Terriers continue to defy their critics, and are becoming the masters at winning the League title by overtaking their challengers in the home straight. While their Vase exploits often leave them with an unenviable fixture programme, it leaves many thinking that the task is too great. It seems to be a task relished by the Terriers, as yet again they overhaul the points deficit.

The League’s clubs fared well in the F.A.Cup, most notably Easington, who drew Chester City at home. At one time during the game, it was reported on the BBC that Easington were leading 1-0, and speculated if it was going to be the upset of the round. I would put it down to dodgy mobile telephones malfunctioning in the monsoon-like weather, as the Conference team won 2-0. It was still a very creditable performance, and arguably their exploits in the knockout cups, added to postponed games because of ground problems led to an unenviable fixture pile-up. It certainly made their fight to stay in the First Division all the harder. It seems a rather back-handed compliment to clubs who are successful in the cups, that the face a monumental task to complete their fixtures. I don’t think there is an easy answer to the problem, other than offering our sympathy as tired players drag weary limbs out for yet another tie. Bedlington and Marske both went a long way in the Vase, and the draw ensured that at least we had one Northern League team in the semi-final of the competition. Prior to the draw being made, a few had been harbouring thoughts of an all-ANL final.  Bedlington finally saw off Marske after two titanic struggles, but fell at the semi-final stage to the eventual runners-up Berkhamstead Town. Let’s hope we make a return to the Final of the Vase next season.

The surprise package in Division Two has undoubtedly been Washington Ikeda Hoover. Probably very few people from outside Albany Park would have tipped them for promotion this season. They’ve gained promotion for the first time, and with a squad largely unfamiliar with the First Division.  Ashington play in the First Division next season, the first time since 1984. The club have made light of the setbacks of last summer, when a large slice of their squad “emigrated” to the Scottish Second Division. The Colliers bring to the First Division some of the more vociferous fans in the league, complete with air-horns and drums. Interestingly, in their penultimate game of the season, they had to go easy with the air-horns, as they only had one gas canister left, and they wanted to save that for their final game at local rivals Alnwick Town. It’s been such a good season for the men from Portland Park, that they’ve been in danger of “blowing” their air-horn budget. Division One clubs, you have been warned.

While Brandon were considered a little unlucky to go down in the Final of the Durham Challenge Cup to Bishop Auckland, 2-0, they won many friends. It was the second consecutive year that Brandon got to the Final (losing last year to a very strong Darlington side), and quite a few are tipping them to become a major force in the Northern League in the next few seasons. They have come a long way in recent seasons, and it is easy to forget that this was only their first season back in Division One. Northallerton too performed well in the White Rose version, eventually going out to a strong Whitby Town side, and not before beating Marske United 5-2. Northallerton always seem to be everyone’s favourites for promotion, and yet again they missed out in the final reckoning – maybe next season?  Penrith won the Cumberland Cup for the 14th time this season. That may sound like they claim it for their own, but it was the first success in the competition for 26 years, in fact when they were last a Northern League club.

The Final of the Northumberland Senior Cup has been postponed until next season. The finalists, Bedlington Terriers and Newcastle United, could not agree on a suitable date, along with the availability of the preferred venue, Kingston Park in Newcastle. So it has been decided that the tie will be played as a pre-season game, later in the summer. At least it should appease those who moan that pre-season games often lack a competitive edge.