After winning 3-2 at Wallington and 5-0 at Cochrane Park against Newcastle East End the previous week, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion continued their build-up to the start of the Ebac Northern League season on July 27 with a 2-2 draw at Scotswood last Friday night against Newcastle Blue Star.

Nathan Beckham's side scored 99 goals in their 42 games last season and finished in the top half of the table. They have retained 21 members of that squad for the 2024-25 campaign, including centre forward Aaron Costello who bagged a personal best tally of 33 goals, and a quintet of new signings should boost their challenge for promotion. Exciting young attacking midfielder Declan Bisset has joined the club from Whickham having previously played at a higher level for for Consett, Ashington and Heaton Stannington.

Experienced defender Dale Burrell is another recruit from Ebac Northern League Division One side Wjhickham. He made 194 appearances for them over six seasons, scoring 27 goals and won numerous awards. The other new signings are defender Jack Ledger from Chester-Le-Street United, winger Robbie Little from AFC Newbiggin and midfielder Josh Walker on a dual registration from Heaton Stannington.

After receiving byes in the draw for the First Qualifying Round of the prestigious FA Vase to potentially leave themselves with a blank weekend in August. Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Prudhoe YC Seniors have brought forward their Tyne Valley Derby clash at Kingsley Park in Ebac Northern League Division Two from Saturday, January 4 to Friday, August 23 with a 7.30pm kick-off. Both sides have been drawn at home in the Second Qualifying round on September 21, with Prudhoe YC Seniors facing Ebac Northern League Division One side West Allotment Celtic at Essity Park while Ryton & Crawcrook Albion host North West Counties League side Garstang.

In the Northern Alliance League, the draw has been made for the First Round of Kwik Fit Challenge Cup which is restricted to the 16 Premier Division teams. The ties involving our local sides see Ponteland United host Wallington, while Haltwhistle Jubilee travel to Newcastle Chemfica with the matches taking place on September 21.