Our resident non-league expert Mark Carruthers has delivered his power rankings after another hectic weekend of football across the region, which saw some sides continue their strong starts to the season while others struggle for form. Scroll down and click through the pages to see how he has ranked the non-league sides in the area – and his verdict on their performances so far:
5. SUNDERLAND RCA (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE)
Sunderland RCA are the highest-ranked Wearside-based team in the rankings this week. Goals from Dom Moan and Sunderland loanee Ryan Leonard helped them to a 2-1 win at Division One newcomers Northallerton Town in midweek. And they built on that way by securing a place in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round and £2,890 in prize money as Stephen Callen grabbed the only goal of the game in Saturday’s home win against Hemsworth MW. Photo: Tim Richardson
6. NEWTON AYCLIFFE (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE)
Colin Stromsoy’s men have moved into the top half of the Northern League Division One table with three consecutive wins. Dean Thexton’s late goal gave them a 2-1 win at Thornaby in midweek, and the former Tow Law Town striker found the net once again on Saturday as his side came from two goals down to secure a 3-2 home win against West Auckland Town. Photo: Frank Reid
7. STOCKTON TOWN (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE)
The Anchors are seen by some as one of the favourites for promotion in Northern League Division One this season. Their form has lived up to that tag as goals from Jamie Owens and Kevin Hayes gave them a 2-0 league win against Whickham in midweek. And they followed that up with a comfortable 3-0 win at Division One rivals Northallerton Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday Photo: MAX WAILES
8. CARLISLE CITY (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO)
The former North West Counties League club struggled after being laterally moved into the Northern League’s second tier in pre-season. But they are starting to get to grips with life in their new surroundings as away wins at Newcastle University and Esh Winning moved them into the top five of the Division Two table. Photo: Other