Northern League Division Two
Washington manager Olly Hotchkiss has challenged his players to kick-start their season by taking three points from their trip to Crook Town.
The Mechanics has suffered a difficult start to the campaign, losing both their league games against Tow Law Town and Chesterle-Street Town and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Division One side West Auckland Town last weekend.
Hotchkiss is still getting to grips with a squad that is unrecognisable from the one relegated from the Northern League’s top-tier last season.
But the former Durham City boss has insisted his side will get off the mark if they apply themselves at Crook.
“We are looking forward to the game as we really need to kick-start our season,” explained Hotchkiss.
“We know it will be a tough challenge against a good side but if we apply ourselves and play with the right application we will give ourselves a great chance of getting three points.”
Easington Colliery have had no such problems and could top the table on Saturday evening with a home win over Jarrow.
Jack Pounder and Michael Cooke return for the Colliers and Jak Ashton could make his home debut.
Billingham Town could extend their perfect start to the Northern League Division Two season when they entertain Bedlington Terriers.
Town top the table after taking maximum points from their opening three games. Chester-le-Street Town are also targeting a fourth win in as many games when Northallerton Town visit Moor Park. Thornaby are the fourth club with a perfect record and that will be on the line when Ryton and Crawcrook Albion visit Teesdale Park. Durham City will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat at the hands of Thornaby when they travel to Northern League new-boys Redcar Athletic. Logan Powell is pushing for a second start for the Citizens after coming off the bench in the defeat against Thornaby.
Billingham Synthonia are targeting their first points of the campaign as they travel to Tyneside to face Heaton Stannington tomorrow.
Jamie Pollock could hand a start to former Synners defender Ryan Grier after he returned to the club on Wednesday but Scott Howes will face a fitness test on a knee injury.
Willington are looking a first home win of the season when Birtley Town visit Hall Lane and Esh Winning face a tough task getting their first win of the campaign when they visit fifth-placed West Allotment Celtic.