Form sides to meet in day’s biggest clash
DUNSTON UTS manager Chris Swailes believes “something has to give” when his side hosts Newcastle Benfield tomorrow.
The game sees two of Division One’s in-form squads meet at the UTS Stadium and the hosts are protecting an unbeaten run standing at 16 league games.
However, Benfield will provide a stern test for Dunston and are unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions.
Swales said “It is a tough game for us.
“You look at the form of both sides and it feels like something has to give really.
“They have done so well since Tom Wade took over but they had a talented squad under Mark Convery too and I think it would have come right for him.
“We are confident and we would be ready for anyone right now.”
Long-term injury victims Liam Thear and Michael Hall are the only absentees from the Dunston squad.
Hebburn Town are boosted by the return of Steve Hubery, Michael Richardson and Dan Smith for their trip to bottom-of-thetable Penrith.
Ashington captain Wayne Buchanan is hoping to complete his return from a broken leg when they host Sunderland RCA.
He said: “On the one hand I am itching to get back – but on the other I am cautious as well.
“I want to be a benefit to the team rather than a hindrance.
“At the moment I feel I could go on and have an effect but you never know until you play games.”
Former Whitley Bay goalkeeper Chris Bannon could face an immediate reunion with his former team-mates when his new club Seaham Red Star entertains the four-time FA Vase winners.
Bishop Auckland will hope to extend their unbeaten league run to eight games when they head to Whickham and neighbours West Auckland Town can move into the top four with a home success against North Shields.
Lewis Burns returns from suspension to take his place in the Heaton Stannington as the Division Two promotion-chasers head to Birtley Town.
League leaders Billingham Town welcome back Elliott Beddow and Reece Kenney for their trip to Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
West Allotment Celtic are at fullstrength for their trip to struggling Brandon United.