IN-FORM STRIKE DUO COME UP AGAINST MEAN DEFENCE
Sunderland RCA manager Martin Swales is looking to be on the front foot when his side host Dunston UTS tomorrow.
The RCA boss has hailed the form of strike partnership Colin Larkin and Mark Davison ahead of the game as they take on a Dunston side that are yet to concede a league goal this season.
RCA are boosted by the return of Nathan O’Neill after a ban and he adds to the forward options available ahead of the game.
“Davison and Larkin have given us everything so far,” explained Swales.
“They have been great so far and they have put us on the front-foot in the games we have played.
“They have just been at it from minute one and now we have Nathan O’Neill back from suspension so we will be able to rotate if needed.”
The visitors hope to have midfielder Aidan Haley back in contention as they look to build on their 8-0 home hammering of Whitley Bay.
It was also a positive week for Seaham Red Star as they saw off Division Two side Heaton Stannington in the FA Cup.
The win hands Red Star a boost on and off the park as they prepare to travel to Newton Aycliffe.
Manager Mark Collingwood explained what the win means for the club.
“It was a game that was worth £4,000 for us,” said the Red Star boss.
“With the prize money, the share of the gate and the fact we will be going to Consett in the next round, it was such a big win for us. “Now we focus on Aycliffe and we need to get something from the game because they will be in and around us in the league.
“We need to take care of some of the players because we don’t have a big squad but we know what we need to do.”
Collingwood will take a late check on the fitness of defender Daryll Donnelly and is hopeful that Matty Lowrie, Andy Johnston and Liam Hodgson will all return to his squad.
Ryhope CW will look to put a tough week behind them when they travel to Heritage Park to face Bishop Auckland.
Gary Pearson’s side were put out of the FA Cup by local rivals Sunderland RCA last Saturday and then were beaten at home by Shildon on Tuesday.
Ryhope actually completed a league double over the Two-Blues last season but assistant manager Stu Gooden believes they are facing “a different animal” tomorrow.
“Ian Chandler and Brian Smith have made a lot of changes at the club,” he said,
“They have kept some players from last season but there are a lot of new faces in their squad.
“I don’t think they will be a top four side, I think they will be in and around us.
“But they are a different animal to what they were last season”
New signings Nick Kane and Carl Jones could make their debuts but Josh HomeJackson and Antony Lowerson are ruled out with injuries.