RYHOPE LOOKING TO EASE THEIR RELEGATION FEARS
EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE: ON-SONG WEST AUCKLAND THE VISITORS AS PEARSON’S MEN EYE SAFETY POINTS
Ryhope CW, fighting to stay clear of the First Division relegation zone, face a huge task in tomorrow’s attractive home clash with third-placed West Auckland Town.
Manager Gary Pearson’s men beat Newton Aycliffe last time out to go five points clear of the bottom three.
West, though, will be a big challenge, with six wins in eight games since their FA Vase exit.
Ryhope boss Pearson said: “Michael Rae returns to the squad, skipper Kyle Davis and David Gordon will be having fitness tests and Elliot Woods is still suspended.
“Other than that, I have a full squad to choose from.
“We are looking forward to it, and we are fed up of the weather meaning games being cancelled,
“We have got lots of games to catch up on, so it puts a lot of pressure on us. We need a performance and win to pull ourselves away from relegation zone.”
Sunderland RCA are joint seventh ahead of the visit of third-bottom Jarrow Roofing.
The Meadow Park men could do a big favour to their neighbours by beating Richie McLaughlin’s lads.
RCA, however, are missing a few for the game.
Manager Martin Swales said: “Craig Hodgson, Keith Finch and Greg Swansbury are all out due to work commitments and our main goal scorer, Nathan O’Neill, is getting married this weekend, so he is unavailable.
“James Armstrong and Michael Charlton will require late fitness tests.”
Swales added: “We are looking forward to the game as it is a bit of a local derby.
“Jarrow Roofing have picked up lately, but we are hoping to keep up our good form and will hopefully pick up the three points at home.”
Seaham Red Star have Kieran Galbraith back from injury for the trip to fifth-top North Shields, but Nicky Kane is out injured and Bradley Staunch is ill. Manager Craig Lynch said: “Weather permitting, it will be a good, but also a tough game. It will be competitive hopefully we can put in a good performance. “The lads have trained well and we will have a good squad available, plus Luke Gilhespy, Liam Hodgson and Andrew Johnston are all available and our new signing, ex-Sunderland youngster Carl Lawson, could start the game.”
Second-bottom Washington, 13 points from safety with nine games left, simply have to win at Dunston UTS to have any chance of staying up this season.
Official Andrew Gibson said: “We have a lot of faith in the younger players in the team and hope they can win a few more games towards the end of the season.
“If the worst happens, we will add some experience to the squad for next season.”
Dunston manager Chris Swailes should have the luxury of a full squad to choose from, with the exception of David Hiftle, who has unfortunately been forced to retire, due to a recurrence of a bad knee injury.
Second-placed Consett host Bishop Auckland, who are not yet clear of danger.
Consett chairman Frank Bell said: “We have four players needing a pre-match fitness test this week: David Dowson, Calvin Smith, Matty Slocombe and Ryan McKinnon, and Dan Hawkins is unavailable due to a knee injury.
“I think it will be a very competitive game against Bishop. “They have made a few additions to their team over the last few weeks and I think they will be pumped up for the game.
“They are an excellent club. I think they will be safe from relegation this season, but until they are, they will be putting up a fight every game.
“There are six ex-Consett players in their team this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how they perform against their old club.”
Sixth-placed Shildon journey to Guisborough, who are unbeaten in six.
Bottom club Billingham Synthonia welcome Ashington to Norton.
Secretary Graham Craggs said: “We haven’t had a game for at least three weeks, so everyone is raring to go and we have a full squad to choose from.
“Hopefully the field will dry out and so we can get a game in, as it feels like the season has come to a standstill since Christmas because of the weather.”
There is a massive game at Mount Pleasant, where Marske United host leaders Morpeth Town.
Although the Highwaymen are 21 points ahea, the Seasiders – who won 2-0 at Penrith last night – do have 10 games in hand. Marske have left-back Matthew Bell out injured, as well as long-term absentee Andy Ramsbottom.
Elsewhere, Stockton Town entertain Newton Aycliffe, Whitley Bay are at home to Newcastle Benfield and Team Northumbria head to Penrith.