Masandi signing a boost for the Citizens’ survival hopes
Durham City manager Wayne Gredziak is hoping his latest signing can influence the younger members of his squad in their quest to avoid relegation from the Wearside League.
The Citizens boss has been active in his recruitment over the last month and he landed an experienced forward this week when former Wolviston striker Junior Masandi snubbed an offer from the Northern League to join Gredziak’s ever-growing squad.
The 33-year-old could be handed a debut in Saturday’s trip to Shotton Colliery and his new manager revealed his delight at getting the deal done.
He told The Echo: “Junior is a player I’ve known for a long time and he offers us a senior player that oozes professionalism for the younger lads to learn from.
“A Northern League club offered him a deal to play for them, but he wanted to help me and Durham City in our quest for survival so I am over the moon to sign a player that can still play in the Northern League.
“It’s a massive boost we needed to head into our last 12 fixtures of the season.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Farringdon Detached will look to build on their derby win against Silksworth CW when they host Annfield Plain.
A win for Liam Lay’s men could lift them to within two points of a place in the top six if results elsewhere go their way.
Leaders Gateshead Leam Rangers will hope to extend their four-point lead at the top of the table when they
visit Richmond Town and fourth meets third at Eastbourne Sports Complex as Darlington Town host Norton and Stockton Ancients.
Sam England misses out on the hosts as he serves a one-match ban and the visitors are without the suspended
Gavin Simcox.
Durham United face a second game in three days when they visit South Moor and Durham Corinthians will look to continue their push up the table with a win at Darlington RA.
Two sides in the bottom five meet at King James Academy as Shildon Reserves entertain Wolviston and FC Hartlepool and Windscale are aiming for a place in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup Final when they face off at Grayfields in the last four.