FRIENDS UNITE TO BRING WALLINGTON SUCCESS

ANOTHER week, another success story from the Tynedale football scene.

This time, it is in the form of Northumberland county cup winners Wallington, who lifted the Minor Cup after an excellent 6-2 victory over Newcastle Chemfica (Independent) in the final.

And the silverware rounded off what has been an excellent year for the Scots Gap side, which bodes well for their push for promotion next term.

Their campaign started with a trophy, too, beating Stocksfield in the final to clinch the coveted Clayton Charity Cup.

This success set the tone for a fantastic season, but their league campaign suffered as a result of their excellent cup runs which also saw them reach the semi finals of Kicks Leisure George Dobbins League Cup.

The squad is full of talented, quick, young players coupled with the experienced battling lads who form a solid spine to the team.

This has proved a successful recipe and I genuinely reckon they can break the top two next year.

What impresses me most about Wallington is that they have, in my opinion, the most tight knit squad of any other senior team across Tynedale.

I get the impression that they are all a great bunch of mates and they always have large squads for their games, giving manager Steva Cowan a welcome headache when it comes to team selection.

This gives them great strength in depth, proven when they made 10 changes for their cup game with Blyth Isabella. They won the game 8-0 which is pretty good going even if their opponents do play divisions leagues lower.

Never do the players who are unlucky enough to have to sit out twist and moan like you experience at other clubs.

Yes, they are upset at not being given the opportunity, but they all bide their time and grasp the chance when called upon, no better example than Nathan Williamson who is now a first team regular after breaking in after more than half a season on the sidelines.

The unity at the club is more useful than having the most skilful individuals - although Wallington do have these too! - and the band of brothers will celebrate their success like only a close bunch of mates know how to.