Red Star must be ready for big test against Rangers - Johnson
Michael Johnson has warned Seaham Red Star they face a ‘big test’ when they visit Boro Rangers in today’s midday kick off in their Northern League Division One clash.
Curiously, the two sides met just under a week ago as they battled their way to a goalless draw at Seaham and Red Star coach Johnson saw enough in that game to know his side will have to be at their best to extend their recent run of good form.
He told The Echo: “We go into Friday unbeaten in five of the last six games and there have been just one poor 45 minutes in that time.
“We played Boro Rangers last week and having backto-back games brings up something rare because no two games are the same and we need to be ready for a big test against a good team.
“We are on a good run and we hope that continues on Friday.”
Seaham have a strong squad available for the visit to Teesside as they look to claim a win that could move them 17 points clear of the bottom two.
Sunderland RCA also face a quick turnaround against a familiar opposition as they host Heaton Stannington tonight (7.30pm kickoff ) just a week after the Tyneside outfit inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Kane Wears’ side.
Elsewhere this evening, Guisborough Town travel to
Cumbria to take on Carlisle City and Whickham are without suspended top goalscorer Scott Robson for their home game with struggling Northallerton Town.
Shildon can close to within three points of leaders Bishop Auckland with a home win against North Shields on Saturday.
Birtley Town will hope to boost their play-off hopes with a home win against outof-form Newcastle Benfield.
West Auckland Town make the relatively short trip to Ironworks Road as they take on relegation threatened Tow Law Town.
Meanwhile, Penrith travel to West Allotment Celtic, and finally, Redcar Athletic will aim to bounce back from their North Riding Cup semi-final hammering at the hands of Boro Rangers when they host Crook Town.