Pearson: let’s build momentum against Ash – then leapfrog Thornaby
Ryhope CW joint-manager Gary Pearson wants his side to build momentum in their push for a top three place with a home win against Ashington.
The two sides both head into the game sat on 44 points in NorthernLeagueDivisionOne, and have performed above expectations so far this season.
The game kicks off a big week for Pearson and his players as their meeting with the
Colliers is quickly followed by avisittosecond-placedThornaby.
He told The Echo: “Ashington are having a similar season tousandperformancesandresults are similar.
“I don’t think people would see us where we are - certainly from our point of view.
“On any given day, we can beat anyone in our league and I think that’s the same with them.
“I think there will be two sides that will really have to compete, we want to stay close tothetopthreeandIwantusto playThornabywithachanceto leapfrog them.”
CaptainBenRiding(knee)is the only absentee from the Ryhope squad for the game.
Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood has a full squadavailableastheyprepare to face Crook Town.
Sunderland RCA head into their visit to Northallerton Town looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.
Steve Riley’s side fell to a league defeat against Ashington last weekend and were knocked out of the Durham Challenge Cup by Crook in midweek.
The Division One weekend gets underway on Friday night when Teesside rivals BillinghamTownandThornabymeet at Bedford Terrace.
There is another Teesside derby on Saturday as Redcar Athletic travel to Guisborough Town.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Nicky Gray will get his reign as Whitley Bay manager underway when his side make the short trip to Newcastle Benfield.
The former Morpeth Town stalwartwasconfirmedassuccessor to Derek Forrest earlier thisweekandisyettomakeany changes to the Bay squad.
One player definitely missing for Gray’s debut is Scott Lowery as he serves a suspension.
NorthShieldshaveastrong squad available as they travel to Bishop Auckland, and leadersConsettwillhopetobounce backfromtheirVaseexitwitha win at Newton Aycliffe.
West Allotment Celtic are targeting a sixth consecutive win as they host Penrith.