Ryhope midfielder Vincent faces race to be fit for Town clash

Ryhope CW joint-manager Gary Pearson has revealed that he is awaiting news on the fitness of midfielder David Vincent ahead of Saturday’s home game against Northallerton Town.

The former Easington Colliery player was taken off in last weekend’s win at Billingham Town after being on the wrong end of a challenge from James Frazer.

Pearson refused to condemn the late tackle as he awaits confirmation of how severe the injury to his midfielder will be.

“David took a tough tackle and he won’t shirk anything,” explained Pearson.

“We hope he is ok; we think it was just an impact. It’s unfortunate, but I won’t complain because I still think there should be some physicality in the game.”

Hebburn Town manager

Kevin Bolam wants his side to “re-focus” on their Northern League title challenge after their FA Vase heroics.

The Hornets are still on a high after reaching the last eight of the Vase for the first time in their history after a 1-0 win at Longridge Town last weekend.

They will now entertain Western League promotion challengers Plymouth Parkway at the Energy Check

Sports Ground on the last Saturday of February.

But their immediate focus will be on this weekend’s visit to struggling Thornaby as Hebburn look to close the gap on league leaders and title favourites Stockton Town.

Bolam is confident that his players will go into the game in the right frame of mind as they look to gain revenge for a 4-1 home defeat they suffered against the Teesside outfit in September.

The Hornets boss said: “We are back to focusing on the league and we are facing two difficult games against sides at the other end of the table.

“It is time to refocus and they are experienced enough to know that the Vase has to go on the backburner for now.

“Thornaby are one of a handful of sides that have turned us over at our place, but there are no thoughts of revenge, that defeat was a long time ago.

“We will go down there hopeful of picking three points, but we have to be at our best because they are a dangerous side on their day.”