Northern League: Horden CW have learnt lessons throughout a positive season

Horden CW manager Jonny Payne believes his side have been taught some invaluable lessons during their first season in the Northern League’s top flight.

The Marras were promoted as Division Two champions last season and have enjoyed a largely positive campaign in step five by picking up some notable wins against the likes of North Shields, Newcastle Benfield and local rivals Easington Colliery. A major step forward came with a shock FA Cup win at Northern Premier League East club Blyth Town before their run came to a close with a first qualifying round loss at Pickering Town and Payne’s men reached the Durham Challenge Cup semi-final before a heavy defeat to step three Stockton Town ended thoughts of silverware.

Four consecutive defeats against Marske United, Whitley Bay, North Shields and Easington have slowed momentum ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Division One title contenders Shildon - but Payne has stressed his players should take a lot of positives from what they have achieved during a historic season at Welfare Park.

He told The Echo: “It’s been a good season and it’s our first one in this division. It’s been a good experience for some of the younger lads and they have learnt a lot this season. They’ve had to try and adapt to a physical league and they know if you aren’t at it you get punished. It is that ruthless and they know that now.

“There are a number of things we have to improve on ahead of next season and things I want us to improve on during the final weeks of the season. We have come a long way this season, we have gone up against some top sides and picked up some outstanding results and we have to make sure we learn from our experience and come back stronger next season.”

Fixtures

Saturday - Carlisle City v Guisborough Town, Crook Town v Newcastle Blue Star, Horden CW v Shildon, Marske United v Northallerton Town, Newcastle Benfield v Easington Colliery, North Shields v Birtley Town, Penrith v Boro Rangers, Whickham v Kendal Town, Whitley Bay v West Auckland Town

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