They emerged with one win and a defeat after a hectic period of play for the St James' Park side, playing six away games in just 20 days.

The first in their double-bill was a 4-0 defeat to Premier Division champions Walker Central on Saturday.

The Toon table-toppers had already won the title – their second Northern Alliance championship win in eight years – thanks to a midweek 3-2 triumph over Carlisle City.

And the Walker lads ended an emphatic league campaign with three points over Town.

In what was long-standing manager Mac Belisle's final game in the Alnwick hotseat, Walker Central hitman Dave Thompson ensured that the Alnwick chief would not go out with a bang.

His hat-trick and an effort from Ian Dunn sealed the win for the Toon outfit and cemented their unbeaten home record.

But things improved on Monday for Alnwick with a win against Blyth Town.

Mac's assistant manager Peter Saunders took charge of Town's trip across Northumberland and masterminded a 2-0 win.

Goals from Gary Patterson and Gavin Keen grabbed maximum points for Alnwick.

But Town's victory was marred by the injury to Patterson, the midfield rock suffering a broken nose.

The win helped the new committee get off to a fine start.

New chairman Tom McKie said: "The lads played well and it was nice to start with a win."