TARN GUNNING FOR BRANDON
NORTHERN LEAGUE DEBUTANT LOOKING FOR FIRST VICTORY
Sunderland West End new boy Chris Tarn wants to mark his league debut by claiming all three points against Brandon United.
Tarn returned to the Northern League in midweek after a three-year spell with Wearside League club Darlington RA and made his West End debut in a 2-1 win against Annfield Plain in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek.
He will be pressed into league action when Brandon make the trip to Nissan Sports Complex on Saturday and Tarn insisted that his new side can claim a third win in their last four home games.
He told The Echo: “I have always wanted to get back into the Northern League and I have played against West End, so I knew what I was moving to.
“With team we have, we should be nowhere near being a relegation battle – the ambition is a top ten finish and maybe a good run in the Durham Challenge Cup.
“We got a win in our last home game against Birtley Town and we now want another against Brandon United.
“I played them in preseason, and they have good, hardworking players - but being at home is an ideal opportunity to pick up another three points.”
Striker Andrew Clarkson will undergo a late fitness test ahead of Chester-leStreet Town’s home game against Billingham Synthonia.
However,Cestriansmanager Colin Wake is boosted by the return of Owen Henderson and Owen Lancaster.
Dave Bell wants his inform Jarrow side to be at their best to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions when they visit Easington Colliery.
Bell has forwards Liam McBryde and Glen Hargrave available once again and is hopeful that his side can move within close contention of the top three with three points at Welfare Park.
He said “We know we will need to be on our game to get anything from this fixture, but we are on a very good run and we have a huge desire to keep it going. We will prepare well for the game as we look to stay in touch with the leading group – but Easington have a good side and they will be a tough opposition.”
Basement club Durham City will have new signing Leigh Guthrie available as the Citizens look for only their second win of the season against Bedlington Terriers at Hall Lane and Washington could move into the top four if they take all three points from their visit to Heaton Stannington.
Division Two leaders Redcar Athletic are awaiting news on the fitness of recent signing Joe Taylor ahead of their home game against Birtley Town.
Second-placed West Allotment Celtic will hope to take advantage of any slipups by the leaders when they visit Crook Town and Ryton & Crawcrook Albion are looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five games when they host Birtley Town.
Willington could hand league debuts to new signings Andrew Brown and Stephen Ramsey when they travel to Newcastle University and Tow Law Town travel to Cumbria to face Carlisle City.