Lessons have been learned insists Sunderland West End boss

West End finally secured promotion into step six of the non-league pyramid after they finished as runners-up in last season’s Wearside League.

Their maiden campaign in Division Two has been a challenge and Liddle’s side have claimed just seven wins from their 29 league games so far.

That’s not to say that the season has been one without any positives.

West End made club history when they secured a first Northern League win when they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller at Chester-le-Street Town in August.

And ten days later then ventured to the North West to claim a first ever win in the FA Vase as Daniel Martin and Kieran Martin found the net in their 2-1 win at Padiham.

With the league currently on a hiatus as the coronavirus epidemic continues to spread, Liddle took the time to reflect on his side’s first seven months in the Northern League.

He told The Echo: “It’s been completely different to how we expected it would be.

“We thought it would be a big step up in terms of quality and the level of football that was played.

“But it hasn’t been, it’s been a step up in the physicality of the teams we have faced and that has surprised us if I am honest.

“But we have adapted, and although results haven’t gone the way we have hoped, we are seeing progression in the lads and they are adapting to the league.”

No decision has been made on what will happen with the remaining games of the current season.

The Northern League have postponed fixtures until Friday 3rd April – although it seems certain they will follow the example set by the Premier League and put a further hold on their season.

If the season were to finish now, it would leave West End sat fourth from bottom in the Division Two table.