MUST-WIN GAME FOR EASINGTON AT SUMMIT
LEAGUE LEADERS LOOK TO PUT LAST WEEK’S DEFEAT BEHIND THEM WITH A VICTORY OVER TITLE RIVALS
League leaders Easington can go along way to cementing their title ambitions with a victory over second placed Crook at home.
Secretary Peter Booth said: “Rob Atherton is away this week, but Gary Ward returns. We need to win this crucial game to increase our lead over them.”
Crook secretary Alan Stewart said: “There will be some changes this weekend, as Will Barnham is on holiday and a couple of others may also be missing.
“This is probably a crunch game for us, as we slipped up last Saturday against Durham City, with a poor performance.
“Easington also lost, and we didn’t take the chance to catch them. We hope to get something out of this game against them and narrow the gap at the top.”
Esh Winning travel to Seaham Park and secretary Brian Gott said: “Michael Oughton returns in place of Gary Henderson and this will be another hard game away from home for the second week in a row, against a good side with a good professional.
“We have won our last three games and it would be good to make it four.”
Mainsforth have to win their home game with Philadelphia, if they are to avoid relegation.
The visitors were dealt a blow early in the week following the early departure of professional Rameez Shahzad, who has been recalled by the United Arab Emirates.
“It was always thought he would perhaps miss one or two games at the end of the season, but with six matches still to play, he is going to be a huge miss, said chairman Malcolm Pratt.
“We did look to bring in a replacement before the cutoff date for registrations, but we had very little time after Rameez said he would have to go home.
“Captain Shaun Smith returns and is a straight replacement for Shahzad.”
Horden are not safe, as they are just 24 points above the relegation trapdoor and are away at Durham City, who are three points ahead of the visitors.
Captain Scott Birks said: “Back in the team this week are Liam Irving and Rob Eagleton.
“At the moment, we are about as strong as we have been all year. Hopefully, we will have a good win, which will keep us just that bit safer from relegation.”
Whiteleas are currently sitting just above Bill Quay with a 16-point cushion, and are at home to Tudhoe.
Chairman Gavin Peterson welcomes the return of skipper Andrew Potts, but was full of praise for vice-captain Nathan Ullah.
Peterson said: “Andy’s return is a timely boost, but Nathan deserves massive credit for the way he’s led the team over the last four games.
“We’ve had two great wins of late under his leadership, including last week where we were the first side to beat Easington this season.”
Tudhoe Chairman Stephen Thexton said: “No one is missing from the squad this weekend and we will be at full strength.
“Whiteleas have a really good batting wicket, so our lads will be very much looking forward to the game.
“We had a good result last Saturday and are looking to climb the table to get the best finishing position that we can.”
Bill Quay are 19 points from safety, as they head to Marsden in mid-table.
Quay need to stay in touch with the three teams above them, as the difference in points is just 22 between the four teams who are fighting to avoid relegation, alongside Mainsforth.
In Division Two, Ushaw Moor are powering their way to the title and hold a massive 54-point lead over second placed Evenwood.
They are at home to Boldon CA this weekend and although Ushaw have played a game more than their rivals, they have won 12 of their 17 games and lost only twice, with three draws along the way.
Evenwood, in second place, travel to third placed Ryhope in the ‘match of the day,’ with only 16-points separating both teams in their quest for the other promotion slot.
Secretary Luke Bannister said: “Our team will be unchanged this weekend and we had a bad result last weekend.
“We need to win this game to stay ahead of Ryhope and close the gap on leaders Ushaw Moor. I think we can do it, but we will have to see what happens.”
Littletown are not out of the promotion race just yet, just 27 points behind Evenwood, with a game in hand.
They welcome bottom club Silksworth and will be favourites to win the game, as the visitors have struggled all season with just three wins and 13 losses.
Dawdon are a point behind Littletown and they host Murton, who are nine points above the relegation trapdoor.
Secretary Steve Dent said: “Captain Ryan Consitt returns from injury and the team will be at full strength for our game against Murton.”
Hunwick welcome Langley Park and chairman John Pratt said: “We have a fullstrength squad this weekend, so hopefully we will get the game on, despite the forecast being very bad with strong winds and heavy rain expected.”
Peterlee entertain midtable Hylton and are not out of the woods yet.
They do hold a 44-point lead over Silksworth, but do need another win to be safe.
Hylton have had a mediocre season so far, with six wins to date after finishing fourth last year.