Northern League Division Two

Washington forward Craig Hennis has revealed that his side are in confident mood ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Bedlington Terriers.

The Mechanics have put their early-season troubles behind them and have won three of their last four league games.

That run of form has seen them move up to 11th in Division Two and Hennis believes that they are looking up, rather than over their shoulders.

He told the Echo: “Things are looking up, because we did struggle earlier in the season.

“Jason (Jones, Washington manager) has come in and he is getting to know the squad. He knows what each player needs and the system that is best for us to play.

“We have players coming back from injury and we are looking to challenge for a place in the top half of the table.

“Bedlington will be tough because they are a physical side, but it’s a winnable game and we have to take advantage of that.”

Washington have injurydoubts over the likes of Issac Gamblin,RhysWilliamsand Callum Smith.

Durham City manager Wayne Gredziak has described his side’s meeting with Crook Town as “the first game of two cup finals”.

The Citizens go into the game bottom of Division Two as they prepare to face a crucial week for the club.

Tomorrow’s game against Crook is followed by next weekend’s trip to fellow strugglers Brandon United and Gredziak has challenged his side to use both fixtures to lift themselves off the bottom of the table. “Saturday’s game is the first of two cup finals as far as I am concerned,” he said. “If we are to get out of our current position then we need points from both games. “We have been improving every week and the performances have been there in the last three or four games, but the lack of concentration and belief is hampering us.” Long-term injury victims Andy Brown and Drew Hope have given Gredziak a boost ahead of the game and will be available for selection. Leaders Billingham Town will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 league games when they host Willington.

Second-placed Chesterle-Street Town are without the suspended Chris Stephenson for their home game against Tow Law Town.

Billingham Synthonia are targeting a fourth consecutive league win when they entertain Esh Winning, but Conor Smith has been ruled out for up to four weeks with an ankle injury.

Jarrow have the likes of Jonny Hirst, Glen Hargrave and Paul Muir available for selection once again as they host Northallerton Town.