Andy hoping for Horden improvement after defeat
Horden CW assistant manager Andy Colledge has demanded a defensive improvement from his side after their 3-0 home defeat against fellow Northern League Division Two promotion chasers Bedlington Terriers in midweek.
The Marras were well beaten as a second-half hattrick from Matty Hayton gave the visitors a deserved three points at Welfare Park and left Horden to head into Saturday’s visit to Brandon looking to bounce back and boost their promotion bid.
The game marks an opportunity to move within two points of leaders Boro Rangers - but Colledge has insisted his side are focused on their initial aim of securing a play-off spot before looking to overhaul the current frontrunners.
Aheadofthegame,Colledge said:“Wemustimprovedefensively after Tuesday night becausewewereverypoorandall three goals we conceded were down to mistakes.
“It’snowabouthowwereact inSaturday’sgame,theaimwas alwaystofinishintheplay-offs and that won’t change.”
There was some good news for Colledge and Horden manager Jonny Payne as experienced midfielder Ollie Hotchkiss returns to contention after a five-game absence with injury.
There is one Division Two fixture tonight as Ryton and Crawcrook Albion make the short trip to Essity Park to face Prudhoe YC.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Easington Colliery could hand home starts to recent signings DomMoanandThomasHunter when they entertain Chester-le-Street United.
Washington host Willington in a battle of the division’s bottom two clubs and Chester-le-Street Town will hope to build on their midweek win over Jarrow whey they entertain leaders Boro Rangers.
Jarrow are boosted by the return of striker Channon North and have added Lee McMahon to their squad in time fortheirtriptoBillinghamSynthoniaandBedlingtonTerriers arewithoutthesuspendedJoe Ames for their visit to Billingham Town.
Birtley Town will look to boosttheirpromotionbidwith awinatRedcarTownandBlyth Town could move to within touching distance of the playoffs with a home win against Esh Winning.