NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

CONSETT manager Tony Fawcett is relishing the prospect of Saturday’s North East derby at East Division play-off rivals Hebburn Town.

The former Northern League and FA Vase final rivals remain firmly in the race for a top-five spot after impressing throughout the first half of the season.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Fawcett revealed he has taken motivation from a far more negative memory after his side suffered a 5-1 hammering on their last visit to Hebburn Sports Ground in March last year.

He said: “Saturday’s game is a big game for both teams because of where we are in the table.

“Hebburn are a very good side, we know that, and we know they will provide us with significant threats all over the pitch.

“Their pitch will be extremely heavy and that in itself will be provide a challenge for both sides on the day challenge.

“But we go there knowing we let ourselves down when we played there last season and we certainly need to be better this time around if we are to continue what has been a positive run of form.”

That is not the only derby taking place in the East Division on Saturday as Dunston UTS host Ashington at the UTS Stadium.

The hosts are expected to have a strong squad available for the game but the Colliers have doubts over Ben Sampson and Cameron

Gascoigne and defender Nathan Buddle has been ruled out.

Leaders Stockton Town are aiming to boost their promotion bid with a home win against Pontefract Collieries in what will be a landmark game for Anchors captain Adam Nicholson.

The experienced centre-back is in line to make his 500th appearance for the club and he reflected on what has been a memorable journey from the Teesside League to the fourth tier of the non-league game.

He said: “It would be difficult to imagine playing for any other club except Stockton because this is my club and it’s been special to be on this journey with them.

“We have grown together and that meant there have been no thoughts of leaving to progress myself because we have progressed together.

“I think I’ve got better as the club has progressed, it’s gone hand-inhand and I think we are ready to progress into that next level in the near future.”

Newton Aycliffe are also looking to force their way back into the play-off race by securing a win in their visit to Ossett United.

Morpeth Town will hope to bounce back from their heavy home defeat at the hands of Hyde United when they visit Premier Division strugglers Atherton Collieries on Saturday.

Highwaymen manager Craig Lynch will be without Chris Lynn once again as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension.