Easington looking for home boost
EASINGTON Colliery and Sunderland West End meet for the second time in a week when they lock horns in the second round of the Sunderland Shipowners’ Cup tomorrow.
Last Saturday, West End emerged winners following a five- goal thriller at Ford Quarry but with home advantage tomorrow, the Colliers are hopeful of revenge.
A boost to their chances is the return of leading scorer David Paul along with goalkeeper Kyle Donaldson, Marc Moon, Brett Gillat and Karl Adams.
Corey Steel and Michael Pattison, though, are struggling with injuries for the hosts.
West End, who racked up back- to- back wins when they also won in midweek, delay announcing their squad.
Ashbrooke Belford House have an attractive tie against Spennymoor Town Reserves at Silksworth but are forced into making several changes.
Injuries prevent Michael Melmore, Lee Andrews, Ryan Veitch and David Christie from playing and also sidelined are Shaun Petch, Jonny Dunn and Clark Stead.
Fortunately, David Scott, Paul Grainger, Callum Hodgson and Martin Deacon are back to bolster Ashbrooke.
Manager Carl Beasley reports that Spennymoor will field their strongest line- up.
Stockton Town conceded a 100 per cent record on Wednesday but start favourites to reach the semi- final at Seaton Carew, where they will be looking extend a magnificent unbeaten sequence to 34 games.
The Teessiders’ chances are enhanced with the availability of Kallum Hannah and David Dowd.
Seaton Carew have Rhys Tapner, Craig Weatherill, Karl Ryan and Andy and Shaun Ross returning to the squad but Paul Moore, Sam Cook and Neil Fannan are doubtful.
Young full- back Leo Kirkbride impressed on his debut last week and could again be involved.
There is one tie in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup, when Boldon CA will have home advantage over Silksworth CW.
Boss Jason Jones reports that he will need to assess the fitness of recent signings John Paul Williams and Neil Cramon before finalising his line- up, but Adam Smith and Shaun Heads are in the frame.
Silksworth again miss goalkeeper Joe Clayton, so Michael Smith will deputise but new signings Ross Stead and Keith Robinson are ineligible. The Colliers, meanwhile, have appointed Mark Sammut as assistant manager to Scott Cameron.
In the league, Horden CW will go joint second if they defeat Liam Rangers at the Hilltop ground.
Manager Keith Brown definitely goes without Darren Atkinson, Michael Cane, Robert Taylor and Chris Tarn, while the availability of Mark Brischuck, Peter Crawford and Stephen Hockaday is unsure.
Hartlepool will have former manger Gary Benvin back in charge at home to Richmond Town. Don Naylor resigned following last week’s heavy defeat.
Benvin, who was previously at the helm, is manager of the successful Throston Wanderers team in local football.
He cannot call upon injured pair Mattie Kelsey or Danny Butler, but Jamie Davis and Callum Sweeney are expected to resume.
Richmond Town welcome the return to fitness of Chris Duckett, James Donaldson and Josh Wooff and also available is Mark Edezes.
Prudhoe hope to complete the signing of a player with Northern League experience in time for him to make his debut against Jarrow.
Harton and Westoe, who moved off the bottom of the table in midweek, appear to have the chance to move further away from the danger zone when they visit fourthbottom Wolviston.
Simon Johnson, who was recently appointed manager, has brought in a number of new players, but Andrew Spiers, Liam Cox, Ben Cooper, Jack Burrell and Scott Cooper all have work commitments. Goalkeeper Gary Frater is given only a 50- 50 chance of being fit but Chris Malley is set to return.
Redcar Atheltic travel to Wolviston minus Lee Blackburn, with a broken foot, and Liam Wood, whose hamstring injury is a concern.