Terrace tussle is one South North just cannot lose
CURRENT champions South North welcome leaders Chester-le-Street to Roseworth Terrace tomorrow in a must-win game for the home side.
They are in third place, 48 points behind and, with games running out, will need to beat the Cestrians to put themselves back in the title race.
Chester have a very difficult runin because after this game they are at home to Durham Academy and then finish off at Newcastle.
The Bulls are without a win in three games, in contrast to Chester’s eight-match unbeaten run including seven wins before last week’s rain intervened when they were in a strong position to win.
Skipper John Coxon said: “This will be our toughest game of the season so far as South North have a very good team with lots of experience.
“We are looking forward to the challenge.
“We are playing well, winning the key moments in matches and are full of confidence.
“We will be looking to win the game and extend our lead at the top going into the last two games.”
Newcastle in second, will be hoping South North can beat or draw with the leaders.
Doug Hudson from the club said: “We have to be realistic and win all the last three matches to have a chance of the title.”
It is that time of the season again when Gateshead Fell usually pull off their escape plan and stay in the Premier Division.
However, they they need to start winning quickly as Eppleton currently enjoy a 33-point cushion.
The Hetton side travel to Tynemouth and will be expecting a tough match.
Eppleton’s John Smithson said: “It is all to play for and it is how we perform that matters.”
Durham Academy play the Fell and John Windows plays for the Academy along with Alasdair Appleby and Jonathan Pears - but Liam Trevaskis, Matthew Potts and Ross Greenwell are with the North England under-17 squad.
Fell skipper Mark Lockey said: “Realistically we need to win two out of our last three games to have a chance.
“We had South North in trouble last week and we have to carry that belief on to this weekend’s game.”
It is likely Durham seamer Graham Onions will be available to play for the Fell.