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:
17. NORTH SHIELDS (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE)
The Robins are starting to find their feet this season and have reacted well to their FA Cup exit at the hands of Division One rivals Guisborough Town. Proof of the increasing confidence was shown in midweek as Marc Nash’s side came from behind to secure a 3-1 home win against Shildon thanks to goals from Connor Campbell, Paul Van-Zandvliet and Gareth Bainbridge. Photo: Other
18. TOW LAW TOWN (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIV TWO)
A 4-1 defeat at struggling Brandon United provided Tow Law with something of a shock to the system two weeks ago. But they have bounced back with a solid week as Joel Pearson’s goal helped them to a draw at Jarrow in midweek and then Lewis Teasdale’s brace put them on their way to a comprehensive 4-1 win against Washington at the weekend. Photo: Tow Law Twitter
19. THORNABY (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE)
Thornaby are still awaiting their first league win since securing promotion into the Northern League’s top tier last season. But they have had no such issues in the FA Cup and they reached the First Qualifying Round of the competition for the first time since 2006 with a battling 2-1 win at Division One high-fliers Whickham Photo: Other
20. SUNDERLAND WEST END (NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO)
West End made club history this week when they secured their first ever win as a Northern League club. Cameron Old scored twice and there was a goal apiece from Luke Richardson and Daniel Martin as Anthony Nelson’s side edged a seven-goal thriller at Chester-le-Street Town. They came down to Earth with a heavy defeat at Jarrow on Saturday, but deserve credit for gaining their first maximum of the season against a good Cestrians side. Photo: Kevin Brady