Sunderland West End relishing clash with Stannington – Stewart
Sunderland West End manager Steven Stewart believes Heaton Stannington will win Northern League Division Two - but fully intends on joining Dean Nicholson’s side in the top tier.
The Stan will arrive on Wearside this Saturday looking to extend their eight-point lead at the top of the table and move a step closer to securing a first ever promotion into Division One.
TheywillprovideWestEnd with a significant challenge as they look to maintain their push for a play-off place - but it is a challenge Stewart believes his players will relish.
He told The Echo: “I think when we played before them they had a blend of experience and youth.
“They’re the team to beat and I think they have a good run of games ahead of them that can take them out of sight.
“But we are all relishing the challenge, we want to play themandtestourselvesandwe want to be up there to get promoted.
“That was the aim at the start of the season and it’s the aim now. Of course, the playoffs are probably the aim, but we know we can get in there and then we will see what happens.”
JamieMarshallcouldmake a West End debut after joining from Bishop Auckland but Brad Wilson is out as he serves a suspension. Dom Moan is also unavailable as he has returned to America.
The Division Two weekend getsunderwayonFridaywhen BillinghamSynthoniatravelto fellow play-off contenders Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
Elsewhere on Saturday, HordenCWareboostedbythe returnofMarcMoonandChris Tarnfortheirhomegamewith
Birtley Town.
Boldon CA could hand starts to new signings Sam Urwin and Charlie Walker when they host Willington and Jarrow forwards Dan Robinson and Glen Hargrave are set to miss Brandon United’s visit to Perth Green.
Durham City’s search for a first win continues with a home game against Tow Law Town and Washington are looking for a fourth win in six games when they travel to Bedlington Terriers.
Easington Colliery have a strong squad available for theirvisittoaChester-le-Street Town side that have lost just one of their last five games.
Twosidesinmid-tablemeet at Gillford Park as Carlisle City host Redcar Town and Esh Winning will hope to avoid a third consecutive defeat when they entertain Newcastle University.