Swales looking to build RCA momentum after vital win
Sunderland RCA manager Martin Swales has warned his side they will face a tough challenge when they travel to relegation-threatened Thornaby on Saturday.
The Teesside club are currently sat bottom of the Division One table and are four points adrift of Pickering Town and Penrith ahead of this weekend’s meeting with RCA. But Swales side will go into the game on a high after they came from two goals down to claim a much-needed three points with a 3-2 win at Tow Law Town last Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the visit to Teesdale Park, Swales set a challenge for his squad as they look for a win that would all but end their own concerns about being dragged into the relegation battle in the closing weeks of the season.
He said: “Last week’s win was a major boost for everyone at the club and the next challenge is to build on that on Saturday. It won’t be easy for us because Thornaby need the points just as much as we do and it’s never an easy place to go.
“There’s confidence and a bit of belief, the young lads and the experienced players are all playing their part and it’s all about improving to make sure we stay in the division.”
Seaham Red Star will be looking to claim a first win in four games when they visit
fellow strugglers Pickering Town.
Mark Collingwood’s side currently sit one point and one place above their second-from-bottom hosts but do have the benefit of travelling to North Yorkshire with a fully fit and available squad.
Struggling Northallerton Town have added Thornaby trio Kieran Edwards, Luke
Hogan and Jamie Davis to their squad as they prepare to host league leaders Newton Aycliffe.
Ashington will have Ben Harmison available for their home game with Guisborough Town after the red card he received in last weekend’s defeat at Aycliffe was overturned.
Third placed Bishop
Auckland will hope to continue their own push for promotion with a home win against Whickham and Whitley Bay will look to bounce back from last Saturday’s away day defeat against the Two-Blues when they face Newcastle Benfield at Hillheads.
West Allotment Celtic can extend their unbeaten run to an eighth game when they host Tow Law Town and Heaton Stannington are without the suspended Jake Turnbull for their visit to Penrith.
Redcar Athletic could climb as high as sixth place if they take three points from their game at Crook Town and Carlisle City host West Auckland Town in a clash between two sides sat just below mid-table.