Northern League Division Two
New Durham City manager Billy Harper is in confident mood as he prepares to take charge of the Citizens for the first time.
Easington Colliery are the visitors to Hall Lane tomorrow as Harper prepares to hand debuts to as many as five new signings.
The new Citizens boss has been impressed with his players’ attitude in training and is hopeful that they can transfer that into a win against the Colliers.
He said: “The lads are all showing a desire to be a part of the job in hand to rise up this division.
“We cannot fault the players’ attitude in training as the willingness to embrace the challenges we’ve put to them is superb.
“If this is transferred to the pitch for the remainder of the season then a good flow of points will be gained.”
The visitors will be without the injured James Talbot and suspended David Vincent, but will have Michael Cooke available.
Joint-manager Craig Hughes said: “The Durham game is a good opportunity to get back to winnings ways and we certainly need to after a bad run.”
Washington will look to end a run of three straight defeats when they entertain West Allotment Celtic at Nissan Sports Complex.
Jak Hanson is a doubt with an ankle injury, but manager Jason Jones is hopeful that Alex Ramshaw and Isaac Gamblin will return.
He said: “I am looking to add some more new blood to the team to add some fire-power up top and some steel in midfield, just to strengthen the spine of the team, as we have some great players but we lack experience.
“I always say anyone can beat anyone in the league so we are hoping for a good display on Saturday to pick up a good three points.” Leaders Billingham Town could make it 19 games unbeaten in the league when they head to local rivals Synthonia. The hosts are without the suspended Nico Weatherald and have concerns over the fitness of Connor Smith and Alan Bruton. Secondplaced Thornaby will hope to take advantage of any slip-ups by the leaders when they travel to Birtley Town. Chester-le-Street Town are without the suspended Craig Marron as they hope to move into the top three with a win at Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
Lewis Burns is the only absentee from the Heaton Stannington squad for their home game against Willington and Jarrow welcome back Harry Jewitt and Jonny Higham when they host Tow Law Town at Perth Green.
Brandon United are targeting successive wins for the first time this season when they entertain Northallerton Town and Esh Winning will look for a third win in four games when they head to Bedlington Terriers.
Redcar Athletic hand late fitness tests to Lee Farrington and Josh Cooper ahead of their home game against Crook Town.