Northern League Division Two
Washington FC manager Jason Jones has challenged his side to provide a stern test for Northern League Division Two leaders Billingham Town.
The Mechanics travel to Billingham to face a side unbeaten in their 19 league games so far this season.
Bedford Terrace has also become something of a fortress with Town winning seven and drawing two of their home league games.
Jones was honest about the fixture being a “tough ask” for his young side, but insisted they will have a go against the title favourites.
He said: “It’s always going to be a tough ask down at Billingham Town.
“Luke Richardson is now available after his transfer went through this week and he will add some experience in defence alongside Richie Goodman.
“My players will be up for the fight and we will put in a hardworking performance to push the title favourites all of the way.”
New signings Callum Banki and Curtis Richardson could be handed starts as Billy Harper goes in search of his first win as Durham City manager when the Citizens travel to Esh Winning.
Harper was enthused by his side’s first-half display in their 7-2 home defeat against Easington Colliery last weekend and is staying positive ahead the game against an Esh side that picked up a notable win at Bedlington Terriers last weekend.
He told the Echo: “If we keep the focus and tempo that we did in the first-half performance of last week’s game then we will do well against anyone in the division.
“Gelling of the squad and game management is going positively during training and we have a number of new signings available for selection now.”
Easington Colliery will look to build on that win over Durham by taking another three points from their visit to Willington.
They are boosted by the news that Brennan Ball and Lewis Green are back in the squad for the trip to Hall Lane, but joint-manager Craig Hughes believes that they will face a big challenge to take anything away from a rapidly improving Willington side. He said: “The win at Durham last weekend was desperately needed and hopefully it’ll give us the confidence to go back on a winning run. “It’s not going to be easy against a very good Willington side though.” New signing Chris Mordue is challenging for a starting place as Brandon United travel to Chester-leStreet Town.
Nico Weatherald continues his suspension for Billingham Synthonia’s game at Tow Law Town.
Birtley Town have a whole host of injury issues ahead of their trip to Crook Town.
Manager Paul Beat has confirmed that James Allsopp, Dan Hill, Martin Guy and Lewis Whybrow will all miss the game at Millfield.
New signings Robbie Williamson and Ollie Leedham are available for selection.