‘It was a bad day at the office, but this weekend isn’t about revenge’
Sunderland West End will hope to boost their hopes of securing a Division Two playoff place when they face Blyth Town on Saturday.
The Northumberland outfit lie in the bottom four of the table after enduring a challenging first season back in the Northern League.
However, one of their most notable scalps came with a 3-0 home win against
West End in September and Steven Stewart has warned his players he will not accept a similar performance against Michael Connor’s men this weekend.
He told The Echo: “We went up there in good form and we got battered.
“It was a bad day at the office, but this weekend isn’t about revenge, it’s about getting the points and getting back to winning ways.
“We have been disappointed with our form and with missing opportunities to catch the leaders - so it’s back to basics and hopefully we can get it right this weekend.”
Goalkeeper Neal Bussey returns after completing a suspension and Owen Imeson could return after recovering from a long-term injury.
There are three Friday
night fixtures in the second tier as Durham City travel to Heaton Stannington in a clash of the division’s top and bottom clubs, Easington Colliery visit Willington and Redcar Town host Billingham Synthonia.
Boldon CA are hoping to add “one or two” new signings to their squad as they look to boost their push for a play-off place with a home win against Brandon United on Saturday.
Horden CW are boosted by the return of Barney Dobinson, Martin Fowler and Mark Ellison as they visit Chester-le-Street Town but they will have to contend without the unavailable Nat Skidmore and Neil Fannon.
Goalkeeper Jimmy Lone is set to make his Jarrow debut when they host Bedlington Terriers, and Birtley Town have a strong squad available as they visit Carlisle City.
Nineteenth-placed Washington will hope to continue their upturn in form with a win at promotion challengers Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, and Tow Law Town – who are in eighth place – take on another side with a top-three place in their sights as they host Newcastle University at Ironworks Road.