COLLIERS EYE VASE SHOCK
EASINGTON HAVE KERRIDGE AND POUNDER READY FOR TOUGH TEST AWAY TO FIRST DIVISION PENRITH
Easington Colliery are on their travels in the FA Vase tomorrow and will be looking to cause an upset at First Division Penrith.
Second Division high-fliers Colliery have lively striker Joe Kerridge and Sean Smith back and Nathan Renton is included in the squad.
There are sickness doubts over James Atkinson and Shane O’Brien, but boss Paul Frame hopes that Jack Pounder will be back to lead the attack.
Ryhope CW travel to Stockport Town, who sit just below the play-off positions in the North West Counties League Division One. Heavily beaten in midweek and struggling with injuries, this tie will be a strong test for Gary Pearson’s newly-promoted men.
Chester-le-Street travel to Crilly Park, the home of Atherton Laburnum Rovers, from Division One of the North West Counties League, who are currently flirting around the relegation zone.
Chester travel with a 20man squad and await fitness tests to Mark Peck, Lee Mole, Matty Smith, Cameron Nichol, Aaron Reynolds and Michael Hepplewhite.
Jarrow Roofing head to the same town near Wigan, to meet Atherton Colliers, flying high in the NWCL Premier Division.
The Roofers have Alex White, Corey Barnes and Shaun Vipond all out injured. Anth Myers is a doubt after limping off against North Shields, while Nick Hay is unavailable and Adam Sakr is suspended.
Boss Richie McLoughlin said: “It’s going to be a really tough ask for the players we’ve got available, however, this is a very big game, and everyone will be up for it.
“If I’m honest, the game has probably come around too soon for us, which is unfortunate. We are missing some experienced players, and a couple more are doubts. However, this is a great opportunity for the younger players to really make an impact and show what they can do against a very good side.”
On-form South Shields are at home to Runcorn Linnets, who are challenging for the title in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division.
Left-back Anthony Callaghan, newly signed from Washington, is cup-tied, and Louis Storey is out injured.
Billingham Synthonia travel to 1874 Northwich, who are flying high in the North West Counties League Premier Division.
Chay Liddle and Matthew Osmond, missing last week, should return, but Steven Huggins is out with a hamstring injury, Joe Hillerby with an ankle problem and Andrew Burton with a knee injury.
Synners are looking to make amends for Tuesday’s first league defeat of the season.
Billingham Town are also in the North West, tackling Ashton Town, who have managed just one league win this season.
Manager Barry Oliver said: “Everybody’s upbeat at the club – 3-0 and 5-0 wins on the bounce helps the preparation massively.
“The players are full of confidence, and it should be a fantastic game for the fans. We are cautious of where they are in the league, but it means nothing on the day. It’s just about keeping our momentum and that the players keep focused.”
Shildon, eager for a first ever Vase success, are at intriguingly named Merseyside club Litherland Remyca, while Newcastle Benfield host Manchester outfit Irlam and Stockton Town go to Barrow-based Holker Old Boys.