EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE
WHITLEY Bay manager Nicky Gray wants his side to ‘keep doing what they are doing’ as it prepares to host Northallerton Town on Saturday.
The Hillheads club are sat in second place in the Division One table, five points behind leaders Bishop Auckland but with the benefit of three games in hand.
Despite their impressive league performances, Gray has warned his players they face a ‘tough challenge’ against the North Yorkshire outfit but expects them to prolong their run of fine form.
He said: “Northallerton have picked up recently, they have new players and they only lost narrowly to Ashington, so we know it is a tough challenge.
“We have to take our form into the game, we want our first double of the season and we are on home territory.
“We already have more points than last year and we want to continue doing what we are doing.”
Gray will make a late check on the fitness of Sean Taylor and Stephen Turnbull before finalising his plans for the game.
Ashington will hand fitness tests to Dan Maguire, Lee Mason and Darren Lough ahead of their home clash with West Allotment Celtic.
Newcastle Benfield are without the suspended Layton Watts as they entertain Guisborough Town at Sam Smith’s Park.
Matty Pattison, Dale Burrell and Ross Peareth remain in caretaker charge of managerless Whickham as they face Pickering Town and Sunderland RCA are without Alex Nelson, Kieran Charlton, Andre Bennett and Mark Davison for their visit to West Auckland Town.
Jordan Watson is missing for Heaton Stannington as they host Seaham Red Star and Crook Town have added Daniel Chapman to their squad ahead of their trip to Tow Law Town.
■DIVISION Two leaders Boro Rangers go to Sunderland West End and Boldon CA are hoping to add two new signings to their squad ahead of their home game with Ryton and Crawcrook Albion.
Horden CW are awaiting news on the fitness of Kieron Campbell and Jack Maskell as they prepare to host Jarrow and bottom of the table Willington face a tough test as they entertain promotion challengers Birtley Town.