Northern League Division Two
Durham City entertain Alnwick Town at their new Willington home in Division Two tomorrow. Fresh from a 1-0 openingday win at Jarrow, manager Olly Hotchkiss said: “Our first game went very well. We played as I expected and controlled a large part of the game.
“However, we could have taken a few more chances. It’s nice to get off to a good start, and I’ve had a great attitude from all the lads.
“There were a few bizarre decisions, such as the opposition being granted a retake of a penalty, seven minutes added time and ourselves being declined a penalty.”
“However, I do feel that on the balance of play we did deserve to win, but going forward we’ll be looking to make sure we convert our chances.
“We are working with not much finance in comparison to other teams in the league, so have nothing to prove but everything to gain.
“There’s a really good vibe throughout the team at the moment and we will just be looking to continue our good start.
“Steve Malloy is unavailable, Jeremy Allen is injured and Jack Wilkins is working, so they will be missing.”
Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake has a few injury worries, as they travel to Bedlington Terriers, who lost their first game last week 2-0 at Hebburn Town.
He said: “We are definitely missing Connor Lyon with a broken wrist and there will be late fitness tests for Danny Hepplewhite and Matthew Ridley, alongside Alex Walker.
“I am looking to bring in one or two players prior to the game to improve our attacking side of the team.
“The side is young, but we are optimistic that there is enough quality and experience to aid the progression of this young team.” Easington Colliery lost 6-2 to Crook last week before beating Whickham 3-0. Tomorrow, they travel to Jarrow, who won the TWR Bifolds Wearside League title last season. Press officer Connor Lamb said: “We have a few missing this week, with Shane O’Brien, Brennan Ball and Michael Cooke missing. “However, David Vincent and Jay Redman will both return to the squad, but Kyle Bell and Jimmy Appleby are both likely to miss out through injury.”
Jarrow boss Dave Bell said: “Returning to the squad are John Murray, Kieran Featherstone and Max Kirkham.
“This has been a tough start for us and we have lost both games, but we remain positive.
“Easington represent tough opposition and this will be another hard game for us.
Our work-rate has not been an issue it has been excellent, but we know we need more than that, to get us back to winning ways. We need to start taking what chances come our way.”
Tow Law entertain Brandon, while, tonight, Crook Town host Willington.