Two changes as Burnmoor hunt points away to bottom club
Second-placed Burnmoor are forced into two changes for Saturday’s First Division trip to bottom club Blaydon .
Moor will be confident of claiming a win to keep up the pressure on leaders Burnopfield, but skipper Alec Linsley said: “There will be two changes this week.
“Gareth Harte replaces Marc Symington after returning from Durham duties in Cheltenham and McKenzie Wright replaces Harry Munton who has work commitments.
“The team is maintaining its league form but needs to be aware and well prepared at Blaydon, who are well able to provide the proverbial banana skin, given the slightest opportunity.”
Sunderland, in fifth place, entertain Willington.
Ashbrooke chairman Mike Smith said: “Mark Turner returns after work commitments and should be the only change.
“Willington won earlier in the season and they fall in to the bracket of another team in mid-table that Sunderland must start to beat.
“There is an inability to ‘put teams away’ in this group and even when they have had their chances, they couldn’t press home their opportunities.
“Batting needs to sharpen up and particularly when batting first, when all too often wickets are lost cheaply, and low totals are posted, giving the bowlers little to attack.”
Lowly Boldon, boosted by a welcome win last week, are away at Washington and skipper Chris Ellison remarked: “Nathan Hewitt is back from holiday and replaces Barry McCarthy who is not available.
“Philip Shakespeare will be having a late fitness test to see if he’s ready to return.
“After a good win last week, confidence is growing and a win at Washington would improve matters further.”
Brandon. in fourth, welcome third-placed Castle Eden and skipper Chris Peareth said: “The same 11 takes to the field again, even though they are in a poor run of form.
“Likely replacements are very rare in the lower ranks, so it’s up to the current 11 to get a grip and start performing as they did early season.
“Where better to start this but at home to Castle Eden, who are just one place above us and a mere win ahead in points. The challenge is here. ”
Leaders Burnopfield, host struggling South Shields, who are second-bottom, having won only two of their 12 games to date. They hold a 27-point cushion over Blaydon.
Gateshead Fell have the weekend off.