EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE

HEATON Stannington manager Dean Nicholson believes both his side and Shildon will head into Saturday’s Grounsell Park clash knowing they are in for a major test of their promotion credentials.

The Railwaymen will arrive on Tyneside sat just three points behind Division One leaders Bishop Auckland after scoring 40 goals in their last seven league games.

The Stan’s attacking output may be slightly more modest but that has not prevented them from moving into the play-off places with a narrow 1-0 win at local rivals Newcastle Benfield on Wednesday night.

With all eyes now on Saturday’s game, Nicholson is looking forward to seeing how his side cope with one of their biggest tests of the season.

He told the Chronicle: “It’s going to be a really tough test and we have said Bishop Auckland are the best side we have played so if they are only three points behind them, Shildon have to be strong.

“The last six or seven weeks have been full of difficult tests but we have come through those with some strong results. We have only lost once at home and haven’t been beaten since July there so our home form is strong.

“Every game is a tough one, you can’t afford to slip up and they’ll know they have a big test on their hands too.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, leaders Bishop Auckland host North

Shields and Newcastle Benfield will look to bounce back from a derby defeat against Heaton Stannington when they entertain Crook Town.

Whickham striker Scott Robson is aiming to continue his hot streak of ten goals in four games when his side visit Redcar Athletic and Birtley Town have re-signed winger Kevin Mirzakhanian ahead of their trip to Carlisle City.

West Allotment Celtic are the visitors to struggling Sunderland RCA, Seaham Red Star host Guisborough Town and Whitley Bay welcome Boro Rangers to Hillheads.

There is one Friday night fixture in Division One as play-off chasing West Auckland Town host Penrith at the Wanted Stadium.

Division Two leaders Blyth Town will aim to take a step closer towards promotion when they visit Esh Winning and fellow promotion contenders Newcastle Blue Star host Thornaby.

Bedlington Terriers are also firmly in the promotion mix and they have signed goalkeeper Finn

Hodgson ahead of their home game with Chester-le-street Town.

Horden CW will aim to continue their push for a play-off place when they travel to the Welfare Ground to take on bottom of the table Brandon United.

Washington are without the suspended Mason Burton as they face Jarrow at Perth Green and Easington Colliery have signed James Hopkinson from Sunderland RCA as they prepare to host Newcastle University.

Yarm and Eaglescliffe take on FC Hartlepool at Bedford Terrace and Redcar Town are the visitors to Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.

Boldon CA take on Billingham Town in the only Friday night fixture in Division Two and that game will take place at Ford Hub as work on Boldon’s Villa Ground pitch continues.