Boss Has to be happy wth Bay’s progess
WHITLEY Bay manager Nathan Haslam has been encouraged by the progress his side has made in recent weeks.
The four-time FA Vase winners have endured a challenging start to the season – but came close to one of the shock results of the campaign last weekend when they came close to taking all three points in their home game against Stockton Town.
Craig McFarlane put the Bay on the brink of a surprise victory against the promotion-challenging Anchors – only to be denied by an injury-time equaliser from Jamie Owens.
Haslam will take his side to face another club with aspirations of progressing from the Northern League this season when it faces Hebburn Town tomorrow – and the Bay boss is hoping to see his players continue their recent improvement.
He said: “While this season has not gone how I would hope it would go we have players who are good enough to be near the top of the league – but the league table says something different.
“It is about results and we have to find a way to win games, not just play the good football we do.
“We just need to put a consistent run together and I do honestly think we will excel.”
Haslam has been boosted by the news Luke Salmon will be back in his squad and available for the trip to South Tyneside.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Matty Pattison will take charge of Whickham when they host Ryhope CW after he was confirmed as the club’s new permanent manager this week.
Pattison will be joined in the dugout by former Sunderland and Wales winger John Oster, who he named as his assistant manager.
North Shields will hand fitness tests to goalkeeper Greg Purvis and defender Wayne Buchanan ahead of their top-four clash against Stockton Town.
Consett could move back into the top three with a home victory against Bishop Auckland.
Division Two leaders West Allotment Celtic are boosted by the return of attacking midfielder Shane Jones as he has completed a three-match suspension in time to face his former club Heaton Stannington on Saturday.
New signing Curtis Richardson will be in the Jarrow squad for their home game against Bedlington Terriers.