Play-off spot for Boldon CA would be a ‘remarkable achievement’

Boldon CA manager David Crumbie believes it would be a “remarkable achievement” if his side can claim a play-off place in their first season as a Northern League club.

Boldon came from behind to earn a 2-1 win at local rivals Jarrow in midweek to move up to second place in the Northern League Division Two table.

That result means a win in Saturday’s trip to Blyth Town would all-but-secure a top-five spot and give Boldon a chance of securing promotion into Northern League Division One via the play-offs.

Performances have exceeded expectation given the limited amount of time they had to prepare for life in the Northern League ahead of the season.

Ahead of the trip to Blyth,

Crumbie told The Echo: “If we could achieve a play-off place in our first season at this level it would be such a remarkable achievement and one we could not have imagined at the start of the season.

“With not having a lot of time to prepare for the Northern League following our appeal, it would be testament to the hard work that goes on at the club and the great people we have involved.

“We are looking forward to Saturday’s game and we just want to go and put in a strong performance.”

Elsewhere on Saturday afternoon, the top main title contenders meet at Grounsell Park as leaders Heaton Stannington host third-placed Easington Colliery.

A win for the Colliers would take them to within three points of top of the table and they also hold four games in hand of their hosts.

Charlie Armin is back in the Chester-le-Street Town squad as they host playoff challenging Ryton and Crawcrook Albion and Olly Hotchkiss and Josh Broom will return for Horden CW when they host Tow Law Town.

Billingham Synthonia will play their final game at Norton Sports Complex when they entertain Newcastle University.

Birtley Town will look to stretch their unbeaten run to a fifth game when they visit Redcar Town and Willington are targeting a first win in three when they entertain Carlisle City.