EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE
BIRTLEY TOWN joint-manager Paul Bryson has described his squad as ‘different class’ as they close in on a Division One play-off spot.
The Hoops have far exceeded any pre-season expectations after securing promotion into the top tier on the back of a play-off final win against Billingham Town and losing the services of 61-goal striker Aidan Rutledge to National League neighbours Gateshead.
With pre-season predictions suggesting a season of struggle, Bryson and Paul Foster’s men head into tomorrow’s home game with Seaham Red Star sat in third place in the table, and that is something to be proud of for their management team. Bryson told The Chronicle: “I didn’t want to say the target this year is to stay in the first division.
“We lost Aidan (Rutledge), who got a fantastic move to Gateshead, and he was always going to be hard to replace, but we just said to be the best version of ourselves and we will see where that takes us.
“I think that was a roundabout way of saying if we finish mid-table, what a fantastic season it will be but we hit the ground running and we’ve never been outside of the top five.
“Up to now, it’s been brilliant and the lads have been different class.”
Whickham are without top goalscorer Scott Robson for their ‘home’ game with West Auckland Town tonight.
The in-form striker is serving a ban and will miss the fixture, which will be at Sunderland’s Ford Hub.
Elsewhere tomorrow, leaders Shildon will hope to build on their win over title rivals Bishop Auckland when they visit Guisborough Town, and the Two Blues will aim to bounce back from that defeat in their trip to Tow Law Town.
Play-off contenders Heaton Stannington travel to Millfield to take on Crook Town; Whitley Bay host Redcar Athletic at Hillheads, and North Shields take on bottom of the table Sunderland RCA at Sunderland LGV Park.
There is a mid-table clash in Cumbria as Penrith entertain West Allotment Celtic; Carlisle City host struggling Northallerton Town, and Boro Rangers are the visitors to Newcastle Benfield.
Blyth Town can sew up the Division Two title with a home win against second-placed Newcastle Blue Star, and Bedlington Terriers will hope to boost their play-off bid with a win at Jarrow.
Billingham Synthonia are aiming to retain their place in the play-offs when they visit Chester-le-street United, and Chester-le-street Town travel to Teesside to take on Thornaby.
Esh Winning host Billingham Synthonia; Washington take on Ryton and Crawcrook Albion at Kingsley Park, and FC Hartlepool entertain Newcastle University at Grayfields.
Easington Colliery will hope to strengthen their grip on a play-off place when they welcome Redcar Town to Welfare Park.
There are two fixtures tonight in Division Two as Boldon CA visit Billingham Town and Easington Colliery entertain Redcar Town at Welfare Park.
MARK CARRUTHERS