Collingwood: Chandler exit may make Bishops bash even tougher
Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood believes that Ian Chandler’s departure from Bishop Auckland adds to the difficulty of his side’s trip to Heritage Park.
The Two-Blues confirmed the departure of the ex-Whitley Bay boss on Wednesday night after they lost their opening three league games and exited the FA Cup and FA Vase over the last seven days.
Col ling wood’ s side will travel to Heritage Park looking to claim their first win of the league season and the Red Star boss revealed his sadness at Chandler’s exit from the club.
He told The Echo: “I think there have been a few problems there and they’ve been a shadow of a Bishop Auckland side.
“I hold Ian Chandler in high regard, he’ s like the Alex Ferguson of the Northern League and it’s sad how it’s ended.
“We were hoping it wasn’t going to happen, but the rum our mills were correct, and it’ s happened at the worst possible time for us.
“The players will want to prove a point and that makes it more difficult for us.”
Collingwood is boosted by the return of winger Sean McRoberts, but Scott Young and Luke Sullivan will miss the game with injuries.
Ryhope CW joint- manager Chris McCabe wants his side to carry on their early-season momentum by
claiming a win at Newcastle Benfield.
The for me rBlythS partans midfielder admitted that the trip to North Tyne side will be“tough” for his players but is adamant that they can make it three games unbeaten in the league at Sam Smith’s Park.
McCabe said: “Every time we go there, we always struggle because it’s a tough place
to go.
“We have carried on from where last season ended, we had a good pre-season and we had a couple of good results.
“We are looking to carry on a positive start to the season and carry on the momentum from last season’s end of season form.”
Defender Chris Wallace will miss the game after
picking up a hamstring injury in last weekend’s friendly fixture against Spennymoor Town and wing er Denver Morris will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game.
Sunderland RCA will hope to bring Whitley Bay back down to Earth when the two sides meet at Sunderland LGV Park.
The North Tyneside outfit claimed an impressive
3-2 win against Northern Premier League club Witton Albion in an FA Cup first qualifying round tie in midweek.
R CA manager Martin S wales confirmed that former Whitley Bay wing er James Fair ley, defender Clayton Davis and forwards Nathan O’Neill and Stephen Callen will all return to contention.
However, defender Max Allen and striker Mark Davison have both been ruled out of the game.
Zak Atkinson will make his home debut for Whickham when they host West Auckland Town after he joined the club from Shildon.
Atkinson’s old club will travel to fellow top-three contenders North Shields.