We’re going in against the favourites to win the league, says Crumbie

Boldon CA manager David Crumbie says Billingham Town are favourites to win Northern League Division Two ahead of his side’s visit to Bedford Terrace.

Crumbie’s men face a sizeable test of their own credentials on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Teesside looking to claim a third consecutive win.

Boldon kicked off their campaign with a poor display in a 3-0 defeat at Bedlington Terriers.

But they bounced back with successive 2-1 home wins against Newcastle University and Sunderland West End.

Extending that upturn in form will require a significantly improved display against a Town side containing a whole host of players that have plied their trade in the Northern League’s top tier in recent years.

An influx of eye-catching additions has helped play a significant part in a nearfaultless start to the season, with the likes of former Ryhope CW forward Robbie Bird and ex-Easington Colliery striker Jack Pounder hitting their stride in the early weeks of the campaign.

Town have taken maximum points from home games against Horden CW and Prudhoe YC, as well as their visit to struggling Willington.

Twelve goals have been scored over the opening trio of games and Boldon boss Crumbie insists his side will have to stick to the plan he has put in place and work harder than their opponents if they are to avoid becoming Town’s four victims of the season.

He said: “I think it’s very early in the season to suggest this will tell us where we are at because we know squads will change throughout the season.

“But we do know it’s good testing yourself against a very good side and Billingham Town are a very good side.

“We are looking forward to the game and we are going in against the favourites to win the league, in my opinion. “So we are heading down there with a gameplan that we have to stick to and we know we have to work hard to get a result.”

Crumbie confirmed he has a full squad available for the game.

His side are ninth in the fledgling Division Two table, level on points with clubs stretching from fifth place to 10th.