Sunderland must be wary of lowly South Shields – Applegarth
Dukes ECB NEPL First Division
Sunderland welcome South Shields to Ashbrooke this weekend with their opposition fighting for their lives.
South Shields currently find themselves just 27 points above the relegation trapdoor.
Sunderland skipper Greg Applegarth remarked: “Though South Shields appear to be going through a poor run, the games are always close and this one will be no different.
“A wary eye needs to be kept on the opposition!
“The same squad is available for selection, but it’s likely the same 11 will retain their spots, as the side shows good form.”
Shields ‘club official Anthony Marshall said: “Adam May returns to open the attack and Oliver Blevins-Clarke makes way.
“The club is sticking with its policy of playing the young members of the squad, which is proving a little difficult in the early stages, but bodes well for future seasons.
“There is a lack of older, wiser players at present, but the youngsters are sticking to their tasks and signs of progress is being made.”
Boldon welcome second placed Burnopfield and skipper Chris Ellison said: “The only doubt at present is Barry McCarthy, who has yet to be told if he is required by Durham this weekend.
“If he is unavailable, the team will remain the same one as last week for the tussle with Burnopfield, who relinquished top spot last week, so will be turning supercharged to regain it.
“If all return to form in all departments, there is hope of a victory which hopefully will be the outcome!”
Castle Eden, in third, travel to Gateshead Fell and will be looking for another win to keep the pressure on the two teams above them, should they slip up in anyway.
Fell have probably done enough this season to avoid relegation, and are 56 points clear of trouble.
Brandon in fourth are at home to Washington and skipper Chris Peareth remarked: “We are missing Oscar Dewhirst, so Nathan Adamson steps up in our only change.
“Washington are a little below us league wise, so the hope is we can cement fourth place.
“However, it is stressed that complacency must not creep into the team’s psyche, which would be fatal.”
Willington are away at bottom club Blaydon and skipper James Stock said: “Jamie Dass returns for Peter Leggett.
“We hung on for a draw in a very high scoring game against Brandon, last weekend, so the hope is that we can go on from there and get back to winning ways.
“Need to be wary of Blaydon, as they need the points too, as always.”