We need to be stingier, says Hornets boss
HEBBURN Town manager Kevin Bolam has urged his table-topping side to improve defensively ahead of tomorrow’s home game against struggling Thornaby.
The visitors will travel to South Tyneside looking for their first league win since they secured promotion last season.
But they will take heart from the fact that their in-form hosts conceded four goals in the last 14 minutes of their dramatic 5-4 win at Whitley Bay in midweek.
Bolam admitted that he was annoyed by the poor end to the game at Hillheads and is hopeful that his players can be more solid to secure a ninth win in 11 league games tomorrow.
“I love my teams to play on the front foot and be nice to watch, but I am a stickler for the other end too,” admitted Bolam.
“I love a clean sheet and I was disappointed to concede four in the last 14 minutes at Whitley Bay.”
The Hornets are boosted by the return of midfielders Louis Storey and Michael Richardson for the game.
Whickham are without suspended duo Matthew Pattison and Carl Finnigan for their visit to Whitley Bay.
Their hosts have been delivered a blow with the news that key defender Craig McFarlane has been ruled out of the game.
North Shields legend Gareth Bainbridge can become the Robins record post-war goalscorer if he finds the net in their game at Penrith.
Ashington captain Curtis Coppen has been ruled out the Colliers’ trip to Guisborough Town and Ryhope CW are boosted by the return of Ben Riding, Robbie Bird and Michael Rae for their home game against Bishop Auckland.
Sunderland RCA midfielder Josh Gray is set for a quick reunion with his former club Consett when his new side travel to Belle Vue.
Division Two promotion-chasers West Allotment Celtic have a full squad available for their visit to Crook Town.
Jay Bates’ side travel to Millfield knowing they will regain their lead at the top of the table – if they can better Redcar Athletic’s result in their home game against Esh Winning.
Third-placed Ryton & Crawcrook Albion have no new injury concerns as they prepare to entertain Birtley Town, and Heaton Stannington will hope to make it consecutive league wins when they host Washington.