Duo do battle as they seek to Bridge gap
THE big game in Division One tomorrow sees former Durham all-rounder Ben Harmison take his unbeaten Ashington side to Derwenthaugh Park to face second-placed Swalwell.
Only a point currently separates the two sides, who are both hoping to stay close to early pacesetters Shotley Bridge.
The match starts a tough month for Ashington, who face Lanchester, Shotley Bridge and Tynedale in the coming weeks.
Leaders Shotley have a home match against their County Durham neighbours Consett.
It looks a hard task for Consett as their hosts have dropped only three points so far.
Tynedale will look to build on last weekend’s success in their home match against strugglers Alnmouth and Lesbury.
Bottom side Stocksfield, still searching for their first victory of the season, hope it is seventh time lucky at Ryton.
A win for Stocksfield would still leave them in bottom spot.
Lanchester host Percy Main while Lintz travel to Newcastle City. TOMORROW’S FIXTURES: Lanchester v Percy Main, Newcastle City v Lintz, Ryton v Stocksfield, Shotley Bridge v Consett Swalwell v Ashington, Tynedale v Alnmouth and Lesbury. ■■UNBEATEN leaders Bedlington face a stern test as they host thirdplaced Leadgate in Division Two tomorrow.
Defeat for Bedlington would still leave them top while Leadgate aim to cut into the 41-point deficit.
Second-placed Morpeth are at home to Ponteland.
Morpeth have lost once this season, suffering a surprise home defeat to Alnwick, while Ponteland have had a mixed season so far with three wins and three defeats in their opening games.
Annfield Plain, who lost their unbeaten record to Morpeth last weekend, hope to bounce back at Seaton Burn.
The bottom two meet tomorrow as Greenside host winless Blyth.
Blyth’s first success would still keep them in the bottom two while Greenside will look to build on last weekend’s first success.
Tillside host Alnwick while Bates Cottages make the trip to-third bottom Cowgate. TOMORROW’S FIXTURES: Bedlington v Leadgate, Cowgate v Bates Cottages, Greenside v Blyth, Morpeth v Ponteland, Seaton Burn v Annfield Plain, Tillside v Alnwick.