HARKESS INJURY FEAR HITS RED STAR’S PREPARATIONS
FA VASE
Seaham Red Star are sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper Jordan Harkess as they look to take their next step on the road to Wembley tomorrow.
Red Star travel to fellow Northern League side Marske United in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase with Harkess a major doubt after he suffered a broken nose.
Seaham are also hit by the absence of striker Ash Davis, who is suspended for the tie after a red card, while skipper Craig Lynch is out for a number of weeks while he awaits news on a damaged knee and Lee Hetherington is on holiday. However, Lee Chapman returns after missing the 4-1 derby win at Ryhope last week.
Co-manager Chris McCabe said: “We were delighted with the win against local rivals Ryhope CW, but were very disappointed at losing the services of Davis.
“Ash has been tremendous since he came into the side, he’s forged a good partnership with Liam McBryde and scored in his last three appearances.
“As for keeper Jordan, his form has been very good and we will be doing all we can to get him playing in the game.”
McCabe’s managerial partner, Paul Johnson, is wary of a strong Marske side who sit second in the Northern League Divisoon One table after a great start to their season.
Marske beat Red Star 4-1 in the opening league game of the campaign but Johnson is confident they can gain revenge.
He said: “We are also very pleased with the team’s progress of late, but our tie at Marske couldn’t be much tougher.
“We played them in the opening league game of the season and they were very good. However, we had a few players missing that game, so we’ll be going there full off confidence and knowing that if we play well, we will get a result.” The Seasiders have Liam O’Sullivan, Matthew Crossen and Ashley Coffey all unavailable, with Adam Wheatley also an injury doubt. Ryhope CW are also on Vase duty and will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s derby disappointment when they host Division Two highfliers Northallerton Town. Assistant manager Stuart Gooden said: “I was very disappointed with the performance at home to Seaham Red Star last week. It was a very disappointing second half on our part.
“We are, however, looking forward to the game and we will be going into the game as strong favourites, but are expecting a very tough game as they have nothing to lose.
“We welcome back into the squad leading goalscorer James Ellis, who is making his first appearance of the season after recovering from an ankle injury, so that will be a big boost to the squad.
“Also returning to the squad are Elliott Woods and Antony Lowerson. There will be late fitness tests for Matthew Weirs and Lewis Turnbull.”
Northallerton have Colin Anderson, Stephen Cheeseman, Sam Grainger and Josh Keogh, returning and Josh Knox played the last half hour last week with no ill effects following a prolonged absence through injury.
Manager Darren Trotter said: “I don’t think we are quite ready to win the cup this year at Wembley, but we are looking to progress beyond the second round and just maybe get an away tie against opposition from outside our league.”
Washington travel to Dunston UTS and manager James Clark said: “We have a fully fit squad for this weekend and will hopefully have one more addition to the squad on loan.
“Our aim is to try and build on last Saturday’s result against Newton Aycliffe. We want to try and progress to the next round of the cup.”
UTS have injury doubts over Niall Harrison, Dan Capewell, Carl Jones, Jake Stafford, Liam Thear and Kelvin Thear, whilst James Martin is still on trial with Bradford City.
Consett travel to Stockton Town and manager Mark Eccles has a number of injury concerns while the home side are still without Dale Mulligan.
Billingham Synthonia host Whitley Bay while Hebburn Town, third in the Ebac Northern League Division Two, take on Newcastle Benfield who are mid-table in Division One.
Tow Law Town welcome Penrith while West Auckland Town entertain North West Counties First Division leaders Silsden.
West boss Gary Forrest said: “This is going to be a hard game against Silsden, who have won their first eight games of the season.
“They are an unknown quantity, but their form leaves us in no doubt that we’re in for a tough match.”
Elsewhere, Willington host Harrogate RA.