Wearside League

Last updated 15:28, Monday, 28 April 2008

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

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.

Windscale stayed third from bottom when they slumped to a 4-0 home defeat by Harton and Westoe.

Whitehaven will host Windscale tonight while Cleator Moor Celtic make the trip to East Durham United who are next to bottom.

Celtic are back in action on Wednesday night when they host Boldon CA at Birks Road.