EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE
JAY Bates is focused on enjoying a positive end to the season after confirming he will step down as West Allotment Celtic manager.
Bates took charge during the summer of 2018 and led Allotment to promotion to Division One three years later. He has established his side in the top tier in recent seasons.
However, his time in charge will come to an end later this month and Bates said the time was right to step away ahead of today’s home game with struggling Tow Law Town.
He said: “I’m gutted to be leaving but I have made the decision because I think the time is right. Now it’s about ending the season with positive run of form and that is our aim.”
There was one fixture last tonight in Division One as Seaham Red Star made the trip to Green Lane to take on Redcar Athletic.
Elsewhere today, title rivals Shildon and Bishop Auckland continue their promotion push on home soil as they host Birtley Town and Whickham respectively.
Play-off contenders Heaton Stannington will entertain North Shields at Grounsell Park and Whitley Bay welcome Boro Rangers to Hillheads.
Carlisle City are the visitors to West Auckland Town, Crook Town face Guisborough Town at Millfield and Penrith travel to bottom of the table Sunderland RCA.
Blyth Town can clinch the Division Two title by avoiding defeat at Horden CW. Manager Michael Connor said: “It’s been success after success this season and not in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.”
There were three second tier games on last night as play-off contenders Newcastle Blue Star entertain Billingham Town, Washington host Jarrow at Ford Hub and Chester-le-Street Town take on Prudhoe YC at Moor Park.
Elsewhere today, Boldon CA have several absentees for their home game with Thornaby and Brandon United are without the suspended Jacob Crowle for their visit to Yarm and Eaglescliffe.
Chester-le-Street United visit play-off contenders Bedlington Terriers, Sunderland West End travel to FC Hartlepool and Easington Colliery head to Newcastle University. Jamie Lee will miss Redcar Town’s home game with Ryton and Crawcrook Albion and Declan Brown is out of Bilingham Synthonia’s home clash with Esh Winning.