Let’s target maximum points and see where it takes us – Gamble

Chester-le-Street United head coach John Gamble has challenged his title-chasing squad to collect a maximum return from their three remaining league fixtures.

Gamble’s side hold a onepoint lead over title rivals Gateshead Leam Rangers as they prepare to entertain third-placedDarlingtonTown this weekend.

At the same time, Leam Rangers entertain in-form

Wolviston, who travel to Tyneside looking to secure a fifth consecutive win.

United head into their own fixture looking to build on Monday’s Monkwearmouth Charity Cup Final win over FC HartlepoolasgoalsfromCameronBrewis,DanLanningand Evan Gray gave them a 3-1 win over Terry Hill’s men.

Following that game, Gamble said: “I’d pay credit to the WearsideLeagueandIsaythis in probably every interview. There are some really good sides in this league and everybodygivesacompetitivegame.

“We had a run of Saturday, Monday and Wednesday and they were all tough games.

“Now we have three games left,wewilllooktogetthemaximum of nine points and see where that takes us.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, DarlingtonRAarewithoutthe suspended Callum Howell as he completes a two-match ban when they face fellow strugglers West Auckland Tunns at Brinkburn Road.

FC Hartlepool have a doubt over Robert Hammond as they head to Norton and Stockton Ancients after he picked up a knock in Monday’s Monkwearmouth Charity Cup Final defeat against Chester-le-Street United.

Assistant manager Mark Loynes is keen to move on from that disappointment and end the season on a high.

He said: “We still have loads to play for over the next two weeks with five league games ahead of us and we will looktocloseinonthosetopsix places.

“We also have the small matter of another cup final when we play Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Alan Hood Cup next month.

“We now want to put the cup final defeat behind us andIamsureouryoungsquad will only learn from the experience.”

Two sides sat just below mid-table meet at the Recreational Ground as Shotton Colliery entertain Annfield Plain and Windscale’s push for a top-six place takes them to Richmond Town.