Rookes blow rocks Ryhope

RYHOPE CW aim to get back to winning ways in Division Two, but they face a tough task at Whickham tomorrow.

Ryhope, who enjoyed a fine FA Vase victory last week, have only picked up three points from their last five matches in the league.

They head to the Glebe ground without goalkeeper Chris Rookes while the availability of Paul Braithwaite and Stephen Oakley is unsure.

Seaham Red Star will attempt to maintain their push for promotion at the expense of Stokesley SC. David Gordon completes the last of a threematch ban for the long trip south.

It was a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show for Chester- le- Street in their midweek fixture against Stokesley. Manager Colin Wake described the performance as “dismal” but last Saturday the Cestrians were outstanding in the Vase against First Division title challengers Marske.

“I made only two changes but there will be further alterations tomorrow,” said Wake before the visit of bottomofthe- table Brandon United.

As reported in yesterday’s Echo, Vince Kirkup has stepped down as team manager of Brandon to concentrate on a new role as commercial manager.

Anyone interested in the managerial vacancy should contact secretary Barry Ross on 07717 673 090 or emailbarryross501@ gmail. com.

Birtley Town hope to have Chris Wastell back, but Paul Oxley, Joe Gill and Alan Herbert miss out at home to Alnwick Town.

Washington will attempt to move onto the fringe of the promotion race by defeating fourth- bottom Tow Law Town at the Nissan Sports COmplex.