GOLDEN CHANCE FOR STAR TO KICKSTART THEIR SEASON
Seaham Red Star coach Jon McDonald believes that his side are heading into a week that could change their season for the better.
Red Star travel to face Northern League Division One’s bottom club Penrith tomorrow, before hosting third-bottom Whickham next weekend.
Those two games offer Red Star an opportunity to secure their first win in the league since mid-August and McDonald insisted that one win could change the atmosphere inside their dressing room.
“I think we are suffering with a bit of a lack of confidence at the moment,” explained the former North Shields manager, who was brought into Seaham to assist Mark Collingwood last week.
“But that can all change with a win and this week offers us a chance to do that.
“Penrith and Whickham are two crucial games and we have to think that they can kickstart our season.
“That’s not to say it will be easy because both sides are battling to improve their records too.
“We have brought in some experience to help the younger lads and hopefully they can have an impact over the next week.”
Michael Chilton and David Henderson could make their league debuts at Penrith and fellow new signings Levi Collins and Adam Rundle will also be in the squad for the trip to Cumbria.
Ryhope CW face one of their toughest tests of the season when they travel to Stockton Town according assistant manager Stu Gooden. Ryhope head to Teesside on the back of four wins in the last six games, a run that has shot them up to 11nth in the Division One table.
That run has coincided with the return from injury of a number of key players and Gooden insisted that they are full of confidence as they make the trip to Stockton.
He told the Echo “It is a very tough test for us.
“Stockton were one of the best sides in the league during the second half of last season.
“Their passing, movement and organisation is all very impressive and we will try and beat them at their own game.
“We always said that when we had a full squad we would improve and that is what has happened.
“We are near full-strength now and we are full of confidence for the game.”
Ryhope defender Danni Lay has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a foot injury and both Jake Winship and Joe Melvin also miss the game with knee injuries.
League leaders Consett could hand a first start to new signing Matty Cornish as they travel to Newton Aycliffe.
The midfielder joined the Steelmen from North Shields last weekend and scored as a late substitute in their 2-2 draw with Sunderland RCA last weekend.
Dan Capewell and Liam Marrs return to the Dunston UTS squad for their trip to Guisborough Town.
The duo missed last weekend’s FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round exit at the hands of Gateshead but are now back in contention.
Ashington will hand late fitness tests to midfielders Shaun Henderson and Kyle Downey ahead of their trip to Whitley Bay.
Winger Arran Wearmouth starts a three-match ban meaning his misses West Auckland Town’s game at North Shields.