MIDFIELD MAESTROS WILL DECIDE TOP-SIX ENCOUNTER
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Assistant manager Mark Cowan has challenged Sunderland RCA’s midfielders to give their side a platform to take all three points from their game against Hebburn Town.
The Meadow Park clash sees some of the Northern League’s top midfield talents on display, including RCA’s highly-rated duo Luke Page and Dylan Elliott.
They could face former FA Vase winners Andrew Stephenson and Michael Richardson in a game between two of Division One’s top six.
Winning the midfield battle is one of RCA’s key objectives according to Cowan.
“There are some highclass midfielders on both sides and that could be where the game is won and lost,” explained the RCA number two.
“They come with the likes of Stephenson and Richardson and obviously we have some talented lads like Luke Page and Dylan Elliott.
“It will be some battle and the whole game will be given the recent form of both sides.
“They spent heavily in the summer, brought in some strong players and they seem to be gelling well.
“They are showing intent but we are improving rapidly after an indifferent start to the season.
“We are going out to win the game and we are motivated to do so.”
Hebburn boss Scott Oliver, whose second-placed side could go top with a win as Consett are on FA Cup duty, is predicting a tough test.
Oliver has added goalkeeper Andrew Jennison to his squad as he looks to tighten up his defence, while attackers Graeme Armstrong and Andrew Stephenson return to the squad after missing the midweek cup win over Birtley Town.
And he believes his biggame players can rise to the occasion against Martin Swales’ side.
Oliver said: “It is an extremely tough game on Saturday.
“RCA are in great form on the back of two great away wins at West Auckland and Newcastle Benfield and I expect a cracking game.”
RCA are without injured duo Stephen Callen (hernia) and Colin Larkin (hamstring) and Craig Hodgson remains suspended.
Ryhope CW’s current injury crisis is the worst they have ever known according to assistant manager Stu Gooden.
Gary Pearson’s side are sat in the bottom three of Division One as they prepare for their trip to basement club Whickham.
Ryhope have just one win from their opening six league games and Gooden admitted that it’s time to start putting some points on the board.
He said “It’s been an absolute nightmare first two months of the season.
“Ican’tbelievetheamount of injuries we have picked up.
“It is the worst injury situation I have know in my 16 seasons of management in the Northern League.
“We head into Saturday knowing that we need some points on the board but it will be a very tough game as Whickham are improving.”
Pearson is without injury victims Elliott Woods (thigh), Carl Jones (calf ) and Josh Home-Jackson (hamstring).
Captain Ben Riding serves a suspension and both Jack Walker and Michael Rae are unavailable.
Seaham Red Star travel to Guisborough Town in a meeting of two sides sat just above Division One’s bottom four.
Red Star could hand a home debut to Kyle Oliver and fellow new addition Dan Wilson will be looking to score for a fourth consecutive game after joining the club from Blyth AFC.
Guisborough are without a home league win this season after taking just one point from their opening two games at the KGV Stadium.