West End return to their Ford Quarry home for first time in 16 years

Sunderland West End will return to their Ford Quarry home for the first time since 2004 when they host Chesterle-Street Town on Saturday.

Darren Liddle’s side kick off their second season in the Northern League and they will hope to improve on the slow start they made to their maiden campaign 12 months ago.

It was a game against the Cestrians that handed West End their first win since gaining promotion from the Wearside League in mid-August.

As the final preparations as being completed ahead of their return home, Liddle reflected on the “learning curve” that the club went through in their first season as a Northern League club.

“I think it would be massive for us to get off the mark at home,” he explained.

“We were nervous last season because it was our first season in the league and that was after a really good pre-season.

“Maybe there was a false sense of security and it was a massive learning curve for us because we had to adapt our style of play.

“We have always been a hometown team, so we have branched out and brought a few lads in from outside of the area.

“That’s been massive for us and we have a good mix of lads.”

Liddle has several key decisions to make after he confirmed that he has a full squad available for the game.

Elsewhere on Saturday, former Celtic star Didier Agathe gets his first taste of Northern League football when his Durham City side host Willington in a meeting of tenants and landlords.

Willington have an injury doubt over striker Vinny Gash but could hand debuts to midfielder Decklin Moss and leftback Brad Wilson.

B i l l i n g h a m Sy nth o n i a are without Scott Howes and James Dawson for their trip to Easington Colliery and striker Glen Hargrave will miss Jarrow’s home game against promotion contenders West Allotment Celtic.

Redcar Athletic could hand starts to summer signings Jack Proctor, Matthew Bell, Tom Bligh and Nicky Martin when they travel to face Crook Town in a meeting of two sides tipped for a top four push this season.

There is a derby at the Robinson Heating and Plumbing Stadium as Birtley Town entertain Washington and Brandon United travel to Esh Winning.

Heaton Stannington will aim to put midweek FA Cup heartbreak behind them when they host Carlisle City and Tow Law Town are at Newcastle University.