West End targeting the top six after tough start to the season
Sunderland West End jointmanager Darren Liddle has challenged his side to push for a top-six place as their first season in Northern League Division Two reaches the halfway point.
West End experienced a tough start to the campaign after securing promotion from the Wearside League last season.
They failed to win any of their first four league games, and claimed just two victories in their first eight.
Slowly but surely, however, they have found their feet, and head into Saturday’s trip to struggling Durham City looking to move within three points of a place in the top six.
They will travel to Hall Lane without injured duo Neal Bussey and Lewis Lynn and a suspension means that strikerAndrewBrownwillalso miss out.
But Liddle is confident that his side can come out on top against the Citizens and use the win as a springboard to climb into the upper reaches of the table.
He told The Echo: “We are looking to claim back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season – but we are fully aware of Durham’s improved performances over the past few weeks and we expect another hard game.
“With the cup games out of the way, we have managed to train well over the last two weeks and we have worked on a system that we hope can push us up the league.
“There is a bit of a buzz and excitement around the club and an expectation that we can put a run of results together to start pushing for the top six in the second half of the season.”
Elsewhere in the league, Washington will have new signing Alex Dobinson available as they look to end a run of seven consecutive league defeats when they entertain
Billingham Synthonia.
Chester-le-Street Town hope to have Nial Fingleton and David Surrey back in their squad for their visit to Tow Law Town and Jarrow will be without the unavailable Dean Martin and Lee Hetherington for their home game against Bedlington Terriers.
New league leaders West Allotment Celtic face a difficult looking trip to fellow promotion contenders Heaton Stannington and secondplaced Redcar Athletic will hope to take advantage of any slip-up by Jay Bates’ side when they host Carlisle City.