By John Walsh

Last updated 13:35, Friday, 16 May 2008

JARROW have pipped Whitehaven Amateurs to runners-up spot in the Wearside League - and stopped their promotion.

The west Cumbrians, who had been successful with their ground grading, had to finish in the top two to earn promotion to the Arngrove Northern League.

But Jarrow’s 2-0 win at Annfield Plain on Wednesday night pushed them one point above the Amateurs in second place.

Kenny Wallace, the Whitehaven joint manager said: “We can’t complain because we lost eight matches during the season.

“There were a number of factors, including the unfortunate decision by Cleadon to drop out of the League. We had beaten them twice, while they had drawn with Jarrow so if they had stayed the course we would have finished second.

“Everybody at the club is very disappointed because we were looking forward to a new challenge of playing in the Northern League. The players have to take on board how disappointed they feel and make sure they don’t feel the same in 12 months time by booking our promotion place.”

Whitehaven can still finish the season with some silverware as they host neighbours Cleator Moor Celtic in the Shipowners Charity Cup final tonight (6.30pm).

But Celtic, despite finishing in mid-table will go into the game with some degree of confidence as they completed a League double over the Aqmateurs - which effectively stopped them from being promoted.