HALTWHISTLE Jubilee’s debut season in the Northern Alliance has ended in disappointment.

For weeks after being denied a spot in the final of the Northumberland FA Minor Cup, the runaway leaders of Division Two have learned they will not be promoted to the higher division.

Having joined the Alliance at the beginning of the season after a dominant campaign in the now defunct Tyneside Amateur League, Haltwhistle proved they were a force to be reckoned with this season with some commanding performances.

They looked good value to win the championship as they sat at the top of the tree with 39 points from their opening 15 games, two points better off than their closest rivals who had played four games extra. They were four ahead of fourth placed Newbiggin, who had played two more games.

Haltwhistle, who started the season with success in the pre-season Clayton Charity Cup for senior teams in the Tyne Valley, had also shown they could match teams from the divisions above when pitted together in cup competitions.

Tyndale neighbours Hexham were the perfect example, as a single goal from Callum James saw Haltwhistle progress past their Division One visitors in the Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup.

The Jubes from the west of Northumberland were close to booking a place in the Minor Cup final too, taking Jesmond to penalties in the final four contest after the fixture finished all square at 1-1.

However, there was shoot-out agony for Halty, who watched on as their opponents progressed to meet Cramlington Town.