Ryhope CW ready for Thornaby ‘cup final’
Ryhope CW joint-manager Gary Pearson has described Saturday’s visit to fellow promotion challengers Thornaby as “a little cup final”.
Thetwosidesarebothsatin the top four of the Ebac Northern League Division One table ahead of the game - with Ryhope just three points behind their third-placed hosts.
Neither side was seen as a potentialpromotioncandidate ahead of the season - but Pearson insisted they both deserve where they are to be at this point in time.
He told The Echo: “They’re a good side this year and they are pushing for this top three space.
“Theyareinourwayinwhat we are trying to do and these games are little cup finals whichisnicetocreatethatsort of situation.
“We are both where we should be in the table because we have put in the work to get there and now the challenge is to stay there.
“I don’t know what they have in their locker with injuries or Covid - but we have almost a full bill of health so it’s downtoustogettherightteam selection and the lads to do the job in what is a tough game.”
Sunderland RCA are awaitingnewsonthefitnessofseveral players ahead of their home game against West Allotment Celtic and Seaham Red Star will visit Whitley Bay as formerFAVasewinnerNickyGray overseeshisfirsthomegamein charge of the hosts.
There is one Friday night fixture in the top tier as West Auckland Town make the short trip to Newton Aycliffe.
Division One leaders Consett could hand a start to Alex Francis as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the table whentheyhoststrugglingBillingham Town on Saturday.
Ashington will hand a late fitness test to defender Curtis Coppen ahead of their trip to Northallerton Town and Whickham could hand a start to new signing Rhys Williams when they travel to Penrith.
Wayne Whitfield could return for Bishop Auckland in theirawaygameatRedcarAthletic and North Shields have a strong squad available as they look to continue their push for promotion with a home win against Newcastle Benfield.
Two sides sat in the bottom half of the table meet at the KGV Stadium as Guisborough Town go looking for a fourth consecutive win when they host Crook Town.