Washington snap up Mariners' Hassan and Hall

The Nissan-based Mechanics are refreshing their squad and the capture of Hassan, in particular, will be a big boost for boss Steve Hutchinson, given his pedigree of seven years with Whitby Town in the Evo-Stik League.

Washington had already snapped up influential midfielder Andrew Brown from the newly-promoted Mariners.

Meanwhile, Shields have continued their signing spree by landing freed Gateshead striker Jon Shaw. The ex-Burton, Sheffield Wednesday and Luton frontman, 32, is convinced he can help Shields have a successful season.

Shaw said: “The Northern League is a tough league. I’ve seen it first-hand, I know a lot of lads who play in it and it’s not going to be easy.

“With the players we’ve got, though, we’ve got to look at winning the league.The other side is if we can go on a good cup run and get ourselves a nice day at Wembley in the FA Vase..”

The England C international added: “There were a few clubs interested. I could have stayed slightly higher, and I believe I could still play at that level, but coming to South Shields at this time of my career is good for me as well. There’s a massive project going on here and I want to be a part of that.”

Willington have appointed ex-Bishop Auckland chairman Richard Tremewan as their new chairman.

Long-serving club stalwart Bob Nichols has stood down as chairman and will become vice president.

Consett beat Berwick Rangers 2-1 in a friendly on Saturday, with Michael Sweet and a Jordyn Sheerin own goal doing the damage.