Red Star manager Collingwood demands more from his players
Mark Collingwood has urged his Seaham Red Star players to show signs of improvement as they prepare to host in-form Newton Aycliffe this weekend.
It has been a week of contrasting fortunes for Collingwood and his injury-hit squad as last weekend’s 2-0 win at Bishop Auckland was quickly followed by a 5-3 defeat at Shildon in midweek.
Despite severely testing the promotion-chasing Railwaymen on Tuesday night, the Red Star boss revealed that he was unhappy with his side’s performance during the second-half at Dean Street.
“We let ourselves down at Shildon because we had the game won when we were 2-1 up,” explained Collingwood.
“We had a chance to put the game to bed but didn’t take it and that’s cost us.
“We a re c o n c e d i n g to o many goals in the second-half and we are a 45-minute team.
“You see light at the end of the tunnel at Bishop Auckl a n d , a n d t h e f u l l s u n at Shildon for 45 minutes, but then it’s a total eclipse after half-time.
“It’s not good enough, and it has to be better, starting with Aycliffe this weekend.”
Collingwood has a number of injuries for the game with Scott Young, Danny Sayer, David Henderson, Luke Sullivan, Jason Blackburn and Nathan Greenwood all expected to miss out.
Sunderland RCA manag
er Martin Swales is awaiting the return of a number of key players ahead of his side’s trip to Billingham Town.
Ross Preston and Craig Hodgson could be in the RCA squad for the visit to Bedford Terrace, but captain Greg Swansbury will be unavailable for the game.
Swales revealed that he is refusing to pay attention to the league table as their
hosts go looking for their first league point of the season.
“It will be a tough game,” explained the RCA boss.
“They pushed Aycliffe in midweek, they are technically a good side with a great manager.
“Things will turn, but I hope that won’t be against us.
“Hopefully, we will have a few lads back from injury and I can’t wait to get them back.”
Ryhope CW are hoping to have key defender Ben Riding back available for their home game against Whickham this weekend.
R i d i n g ’s retu r n i s we l l - timed as Tom Price and Chris Wallace are both expected to miss the game through injury.
Division One leaders North Shields have no new injury concerns ahead of their visit to West Auckland Town.
Michael Richardson and Louis Storey will miss Hebb u r n To w n’s h o m e g a m e a ga i n s t Pe n r i th a n d Jo s h Rowbotham, Luke Bell and D o n ny H o l d s w o r t h a re doubts for Guisborough Town as they prepare to entertain Ashington.
Shildon will look to secure a fourth win in five games when they host Bishop Auckland.
The Northern League’s two remaining participants in this season’s FA Cup will have to come through tough tests to reach the third qualifying round this weekend.
C o n s e tt w i l l t r ave l t o Northern Premier League North West Division promotion challengers Marske United and Whitley Bay entertain National League North club Blyth Spartans.