Pearson targets maximum points from Ryhope’s games
Ryhope CW joint-manager Gary Pearson is determined to end a season of undoubted Northern League Division One progress on a high.
Despite the midweek home defeat against struggling Penrith, Ryhope remain in contention for a top three place and have reached the latter stages of two cup competitions.
Following Saturday’s home game with Newcastle Benfield, Ryhope bring down the curtain on the league season with next weekend’s visit to Guisborough Town.
That is followed by the Durham Challenge Cup Final meeting with Crook Town and a Division One Cup semi-final against Benfield three days later.
Ahead of their final home game of the league season, Pearson said: “We would love to finish as high as possible and we want the maximum points we can get.
“We’ve had a good season and we’ve built up momentum over the last few years.
“Dave (Pounder) and Craig (Hughes) came in as part of a management trio at the start of the season, they fit well with us and it’s worked.
“The club are happy with the progress and we still have a semi-final and final to play for so there is still a lot going on between now and the end of the season.”
Matty Wade’s seasonending ankle injury means he is the only absentee from the squad for Saturday’s game with Benfield.
Sunderland RCA are without Greg Swansbury and Callum Patton for their trip to Whitley Bay and a suspension
has ruled Max Nelson out of Seaham Red Star’s visit to Bishop Auckland.
League leaders North Shields have been dealt a blow ahead of their game at Redcar Athletic after leftback Chris McDonald suffered a serious knee injury
that has prematurely ended his season.
Second-placed Consett will look to keep alive their title hopes with a home win against struggling Northallerton Town and third placed Thornaby travel to the dwmedia Stadium to take on Ashington.
Whickham will hope to continue their positive end to the season when they entertain Guisborough Town and Billingham Town will play their penultimate game as a Division One club at home to Crook Town.