Football: Wearside League

Last updated 09:54, Thursday, 01 May 2008

WHITEHAVEN Amateurs lost 3-1 at New Marske as their old failings cost them dearly against the Wearside League champions-elect.

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Too strong: Celtic's Leigh Dunn fends off a Jarrow defender

Two of the goals were conceded from free-kicks and joint manager Kenny Wallace said: “I reckon 90 per cent of the goals we have conceded this season have come from dead ball situations. It’s schoolboy stuff and it lets us down time and again.”

New Marske are close to celebrating winning the league title but they won’t be going up into the Northern League.

That means Whitehaven will take the promotion position if they finish second after their County Ground was passed after a recent grading visit.

The Amateurs are in pole position to make runners-up for the second year in a row, with Jarrow their most dangerous rivals. But they are nine points behind, with three games in hand, and still have to play New Marske.

Wallace said: “We have the easier run-in and, if we keep our heads, stay focused and improve our defending at free-kicks and corners, we should do it.”

Kevin Holliday had given Whitehaven a 24th minute lead which they held until half-time but three second half goals – two from free-kicks and a third from a penalty – gave New Marske the win.

Nicky Ward’s spot kick put them level and then Sean Mackin scored twice, capitalising on poor defending to give the home side victory and their 24th win in 31 games.

Jarrow stayed in with a mathematical chance of catching Whitehaven after they scrambled a 4-3 win in West Cumbria at Cleator Moor Celtic.

Meanwhile, Windscale stayed third from bottom when they slumped to a 4-0 home defeat by South Shields Harton & Westoe.

Coxhoe Athletic v Whitehaven Amateurs, Windscale v Jarrow, Sunderland Ryhope v Cleator Moor Celtic. Games kick-off at 2.30pmEast Durham United v Cleator Moor Celtic (11am kick-off)Wolviston v Cleator Moor Celtic (6.30pm kick-off)