Riley’s worried about lack of game time for RCA side
Sunderland RCA make a long-awaited return to action when they kick off the Northern League weekend with a home game against West Auckland Town on Friday night.
Steve Riley’s men have been without a game since they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle Benfield two weeks ago - but have remained in the top eight despite their lack of match action.
Friday night’s meeting with West sees them come face-to-face with a side one place and eight points above them in the table - and Riley is expecting a tough challenge against Gary Forrest’s men.
He told The Echo: “We are hopeful we can win against a strong West side.
“We played them earlier in the season and we managed to get a win so hopefully we can do the same at our place on Friday night.
“I must admit, I am a little worried that the lack of game time will impact on us - but we will prepare as best we can and see what happens.”
Riley confirmed he has a full squad available for the game.
Ryhope CW will hope to claim a second eye-catching win inside four days when they host North Shields on Saturday.
An impressive 2-1 win at Thornaby in midweek kept
alive their hopes of challenging for a top three spot and they will need to be at their best to see off a North Shields side that could have one eye on next weekend’s FA Vase quarter-final at Littlehampton Town.
Seaham Red Star go looking
for a first win in four league games when they West Allotment Celtic.
A home win - coupled with results elsewhere going their way - could move Mark Collingwood’s men into the top ten of the table.
Elsewhere on Saturday, leaders Consett will hope to boost their title bid with a win at Redcar Athletic and two struggling sides meet as Bishop Auckland entertain bottom of the table Billingham Town.
Ashington will hand late fitness tests to Curtis Coppen and Ben Sampson ahead of their visit to Northallerton Town and Whickham have no new injury problems as they prepare to host Thornaby. Newcastle Benfield head to Millfield to take on Crook Town, and Penrith host Guisborough Town.