Collingwood looking to recover from cup exit with win over Ryhope

Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood wants his side to move on from a “tough” FA Cup exit at the hands of Marske United with a derby win against Ryhope CW this weekend.

The Northern Premier League East side made light work of Collingwood’s men as an Adam Boyes brace and a goal apiece from Jack Blackford, Andrew May, Kevin Burgess and Craig Gott helped them canter to a 6-0 win.

Red Star have enjoyed the rare luxury of a free midweek as all focus turns towards their home clash with a Ryhope side that are without a win in their last three games following a five-match winning run.

Collingwood wants his players to ensure they move away from the lower reaches of the Division One table by making the most of their games in hand - starting with a home win this weekend.

“It was a tough afternoon at Marske and a tough 45 minutes where we got physically bullied,” he told The Sunderland Echo.

“We let ourselves down, we were awful in the firsthalf and we couldn’t cope with them because they’re a good side.

“Now our focus switches to our league position and it’s not good enough.

“We have games in hand, but they mean nothing unless you win them.

“They’ve had a very good start, a surprisingly good start, but we are at home and we are unbeaten at home in all competitions.

“So we are confident going into it, albeit with a depleted squad, and we have a refreshed mindset ahead of the game.”

Billingham Town could hand a start to new signing Andrew Wilson when they host Whickham, after he joined the club from Crook Town earlier this week.

West Auckland Town visit Northallerton Town in the only other Division One fixture on Saturday as Gary Forrest’s men go looking for a fourth consecutive win that could take them into second place in the table.

Horden Colliery Welfare could move into the top five of the Division Two table with a home win against struggling Brandon United in the only second tier fixture taking place this weekend.

Horden will be without Neil Fannen as he starts a three-match suspension following the red card he received in the 3-0 home win against Esh Winning two weeks ago.