Northern League Division Two
Chester-le-Street manager Colin Wake has a near full squad to choose from ahead of tomorrow’s tough Division Two trip to Northallerton.
Wake, whose side gained a morale-boosting win over Esh Winning last week, said: “This will be big test against the improved form that we have shown recently.
“They are playing well and deservedly find themselves in the top three.”
Wake added: “We go there with improved confidence and with club captain Chris Stephenson, who returns from suspension, along with six other regulars who missed last week’s win, for one reason or another.
“Selection will tough after such a decent display last time out.”
Durham City manager Olly Hotchkiss is preapring for a home clash with Whickham.
He said: “Ross Simpson is still one or two weeks away depending on physio advice, Steven Malloy is still a doubt with an abdominal strain, Jeremy Allen will be out for about two-to-four weeks with a knee injury, Kieran Harnett has a shoulder problem and Sam Joyce is looking to be missing for the rest of the season with an injury concerning his ankle ligaments.
“Craig Hennis, Adam Crathorne and Joshua Rogers should be back for the game and we may potentially have another player through the door depending on paperwork.”
Easington Colliery travel to Brandon United without the services of Jordan Hailes, who continues to miss out through injury, as does Liam Adamson. Shaun Smith is unavailable.
Brandon have Michael Searby, Luke Thompson and Reece Marshall returning to the squad, but Tom Goundry is injured and Niall Fingleton, Dan Pearson and Kyle Wren are unavailable. Esh Winning host Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and manager Tony Boakes said: “Nicholas Marley is missing, as he’s away playing golf and goalkeeper Mark Fish will be out due to injury. “We had a bad result last week, but hope to get back to playing well in this match. “Our home form is pretty decent, so we’re hoping for a good result. We’ve had a really good start to the season, better than last year, however with four or five teams getting relegated this year, we will really just be looking to stay up.”
Tonight. leaders Tow Law Town entertain Crook Town in their derby, with a full squad available. Lawyers also hope to add a new signing in time for the game.
Crook Town should also have a fully fit squad, having recently added Max Whitehouse and Bryan Wood to the squad from Washington.
Willington are away to second-top Hebburn Town tonight. Peter Jones returns after suspension for Town, and Rhys Williams is available again.
Jason Blackburn trained on Wednesday night and will be in the squad, butCraig Malley is a doubt due to illness and a rib problem.