GOODEN HOPES TO BE RIDING HIGH AFTER HARROGATE TIE
EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE: RYHOPE CW EAGER TO GET GOOD BACKING FOR INTRIGUING FA VASE CLASH
Ryhope CW hope to build on last week’s encouraging performance at Bishop Auckland in tomorrow’s FA Vase first round tie at home to Harrogate RA (3pm).
The Wearsiders are in confident mood for the visit of the Yorkshire club, who are second-bottom in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
Assistant manager Stuart Gooden is excited by the challenge ahead, saying: “Hopefully we will attract a good crowd in against them. We know it will be a very tough game, but the players are going in to the match with confidence.
“We are definitely missing Elliot Woods, Chris Wallace and Lewis Turnbull, who are all injured, and Danni Lay is suspended, but Ben Riding returns to the squad after suspension.
“I was really pleased with the performance against Bishop Auckland last Saturday. It was a good win after two poor performances against Newton Aycliffe and Whitley Bay.”
Tow Law Town, flying high in Division Two, are at home to Bridlington Town, eighth in the NCEL Premier.
Secretary Steve Moralee said: “We will have a full squad available and have no injury concerns or suspensions and no work commitments.
“We are hoping for a good result and a good crowd – it will be an interesting game.
“We don’t know a great deal about the opposing team and don’t know what they know about us, but we will have to take it as it comes on the day and see what happens, but hopefully do enough to win the game”
West Auckland travel to West Didsbury & Chorlton, from the North West Counties League, while North Shields entertain Handsworth Parramore, Dunston UTS entertainBurscough and Whitley Bay go to Westella & Willerby.
Whickham entertain inform Stockton Town, who have Tom Coulthard and Jamie Owens back after missing last week’s 4-0 win over Newcastle Benfield. Nathan Mulligan is available after a one-match ban. Meanwhile, in the league, Washington manager James Clark is in confident mood ahead of tomorrow’s massive First Division task at home to leaders Morpeth. The Mechanics are in second-bottom spot, having picked up just one point from their last four matches, despite some encouraging displays.
Clark said: “We have no injuries, so there is a full squad to choose from. We had a good performance last weekend against Marske, so I am hoping the team will build on that against Morpeth.”
Sunderland RCA manager Martin Swales is in an upbeat mood ahead of the short trip to meet Jarrow Roofing at Boldon.
“We are in eighth place and were unlucky not to beat Dunston UTS in midweek, after their goalkeeper had a great game and we hit the post four times,” said Swales. “I told the lads after the game that you don’t always get what you deserve in this game, so we move onto the next game.”
On Roofing, Swales added: “I have watched them a few times, but we seem to struggle against them for whatever reason, but we will be ready for the game. I think it will be a bit spicy, as a few players have played for both sides. “We have Adam McGuiness, Clayton Davis and Jonathan Davis returning and a late fitness test will be done on Colin Larkin. James Armstrong and skipper Greg Swansbury will miss out through injury.” Roofing have been dogged by injuries, with keeper Shaun Newbrook, Corey Barnes, Jamie Marshall, Ryan Burton, Dan Kirkup and Olly Martin missing out, while Anth Myers and captain Daryll Donnelly face late fitness tests. Forward Adam Shanks, though, returns.
Seaham Red Star manager Chris McCabe - whose side entertain winless bottom club Billingham Synthonia - was left frustrated by Tuesday’s home defeat to Consett.
He said: “We had enough chances to win the game and I am really disappointed with the two goals we conceded, but I feel like I’m saying that after every game now.
“We brought two young lads on as substitutes and they are not far off the starting line-up. I’m still hopeful of bringing in two experienced First Division players for the Billingham Synthonia game.”
Red Star still miss longterm injury victim Craig Lynch and Andy Johnston, who is out for another fortnight, but Callum Munro returns after missing out with suspension in midweek.
Synners have a few out, including injury victims Tom Gavin and Scott Howes. and David Hillerby is banned, but Lewis Dalton could return.
Sixth-top Shildon, fresh from coming from behind to beat Bishop Auckland in midweek for only their second home league win, entertain lowly Guisborough, who miss top scorer Steve Roberts due to work commitments.