United ready to grasp Wearside League opportunity – Thompson
Wearside League new-boys Wa s h i n g t o n U n i t e d a n d Chester-le-Street United both make their debuts on a busy night of Division One action this evening.
After almost 20 years of establishing themselves in the junior football scene in the North East, Washington United make their first step i nto th e n o n- l ea g ue ga m e with a visit to Coxhoe Athletic as they kickstart their Wearside League campaign.
The likes of former Northern League pairing Harry Wood and Jordan Lee could make their first competitive appearances after joining the club during the summer.
Ahead of the game, mana ge r C a m e ro n T h o m p s o n stressed that he is keen to make the most of the opportunity presented to his side.
H e s a id : “I th i n k i t wa s e s s e nt i a l t h at w e d i d o u r homework on the sides we will be facing.
“Even when we were at Durham City Reserves, we wanted to be in Division One and to be playing against the better sides.
“We wa nt t o m a ke t h e most of the opportunity that we have been given.
“We always wanted to apply for promotion, and we wanted to get players in that can help us kick on.
“Hopefully we can now make the most of it and that all starts at Coxhoe.”
Chester-le-Street United will also begin life in the
Wea r s i d e L ea g ue w i th a n away t r i p a s t h e y h e a d t o Derwent Park to face Annfield Plain.
The most eye-catching tie of the first midweek fixtures of the season sees last sea
son’s title favourites Horden CW entertain FC Hartlepool at Welfare Park.
H o rd e n we re s at s i x points clear at the top of the table when last season was curtailed by the coronavi
rus.
They will be without new signing Ewan Simpson and the injured Anth Cowie as they look to take the first steps to surpassing last season’s impressive display.
Mike Snowdon will be the only absentee from the visitors’ squad.
Former Newton Aycliffe forward Matty Pennal could make his Durham United debut when his new side face
West Auckland Tunns at PC Sports Pavilion.
However, United could be without key midfielder Matthew Smith as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.