PRESSURE ON MECHANICS
WASHINGTON BOSS CLARK DEMANDS SHOW OF PRIDE AT ASHINGTON FOR HIS RELEGATION-THREATENED SIDE
Washington manager James Clark is looking for his players to make amends for last week’s hammering as they seek vital First Division safety points at Ashington tomorrow.
Last week’s 10-1 mauling from Sunderland RCA, a fifth straight defeat, left them just a point above the drop zone, with on-form third-bottom side Guisborough Town breathing down their necks.
Clark said: “We have a full squad available and last week was completely unacceptable. The lads know what they have to do.
“We’re in a big relegation scrap, and they need to take some pride in themselves and their performances and are looking to put last week out of the way and make things right.
“They have started this week well to rectify that through the way they’re training, and are determined to put it right.”
Ashington will be without skipper Craig Scott, Shaun Bell and Andrew Bulford, who are all out injured.
Sunderland RCA have a tough trip to Marske United, looking to follow up last week’s 10-1 derby win at Washington.
Meadow Park manager Martin Swales said: “We welcome back Ross McNab and Brad Wilson, but Neal Bussey is away, Jonathan Davis and Clayton Davis are working and Liam McBryde is on his honeymoon.
“Craig Hodgson is out with a knee injury, Craig Hubbard with a calf injury, Luke Richardson with a knee injury, and Kieran Graham o is also injured.
“We’ll be struggling to get a team together and are expecting a very tough game against Marske, who we have played twice this season and lost twice. We beat Washington 10-1 last Saturday, so we’ll be going to Marske in good spirits and hopefully get a good result.”
Seaham Red Star end their season the way they started, with a home match against third-top Morpeth.
Starbeganwitha3-1home FA Cup loss to the Highwaymen on August 6 and face another tough task as they look to consolidate 12th place,
Morpeth manager Nick Gray said: “We have a full squad available with the exception of Michael Turner, who is working. We want to keep up our good run and finish the season on a high, and just play to our best ability.”
The game of the day is at North Shields, where the leaders host second-top South Shields in a crucial title showdown.
North Shields lead by three points but have played two games more, so they must need to win to stand a chance of the title.
Mariners secretary Philip Reay said: “We have doubts with injuries over Carl Finnigan and David Foley, plus Steven Ramsey will be out for some time with a broken leg. Other than that, we have a full squad to choose from.”
Relegated bottom club Chester-le-Street host Penrith and have fitness doubts over Chris Stephenson, Joe Hailes, Mark Pattison and Lee Mole, who all sustained injuries last weekend. On the plus side, Aaron Reynolds returns from suspension.
Consett welcome Newcastle Benfield, with doubts surrounding Michael Sweet (ankle) and Jordan Lavery (hamstring).
Shildon, down to fourth place, journey to Jarrow Roofing without suspended player-manager Daniel Moore and skipper Jamie Harwood.
Anthony Bell has left the club, but Danny Parker and Daniel Groves are expected to return, with new defender Daryll Hall also available.
Roofing have midfielder Lee Kerr away.
West Auckland, still not guaranteed to be safe from the drop, have a tough task at in-form Whitley Bay without suspended goalkeeper Lewis Graham. Dale Elgie faces a fitness test.
Whitley also miss a banned keeper, Tom Flynn, so youngster Dan Lister, who has impressed for the Reserves, makes his first-team debut. Top scorer Callum Patton returns.