NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
ASHINGTON manager Ian Skinner has challenged his side to improve its home form as it prepares to face Northallerton Town today.
The Colliers romped to a 4-0 win against West Auckland Town in their first fixture at the dwmedia Stadium – but have since been knocked out of the FA Cup by Newcastle Benfield on their home pitch and taken one point from two league games against Ryhope CW and Whitley Bay.
They will hope to start that improvement when Northallerton make the long trip to Northumberland – and Skinner is hopeful his side can secure a win and move into the top four of the Division One table.
He said: “I’ve spent a bit of time reflecting on the season so far and it hasn’t been a bad first few weeks
- in fact I think it has been one of our better starts in recent years.
“Yes, it could have been better we probably could and should have beaten Penrith and Sunderland Ryhope CW in the league and Newcastle Benfield in the FA Cup.
“Had we done that then it would have been classed as an excellent start to the season.”
Skinner will be without Luke Salmon as he serves the final game of a suspension.
■ RYHOPE CW have a strong squad available for their visit to Billingham Town and Whickham could hand another start to defender Ben Milburn when they head to Bishop Auckland.
■ WEST Auckland Town hope to secure a quickfire double over Crook Town when they meet at Millfield and Thornaby will look to stretch their unbeaten run to six league games when they host Penrith.
■ BOLDON CA are without Levi Collins and Dan Wright as they look to return to the top of the Division Two table with a victory at Billingham Synthonia.
■ HEATON Stannington are targeting a fourth win in six games when they entertain Willington and Bedlington Terriers are looking for a first maximum since they opening day of the season when they welcome Esh Winning to Dr Pit Park.
■ CHESTER-le-Street Town captain Craig Marron has completed a suspension and returns to their squad for the visit to Blyth Town and new signing Quinaceo Hunt will be in the Tow Law Town side for their game with Brandon United.
■ JARROW could have captain Jordan Mellish in their side as they look to bounce back from the heavy home defeat against Willington in midweek with a win at Washington.
■ BOTTOM club Durham City host Redcar Town and two sides in the top eight meet at Kimberley Park as Ryton and Crawcrook Albion visit Newcastle University.
■ ROBBIE Williamson has left Birtley Town ahead of their home game with Sunderland West End and Easington Colliery face a second home fixture in 48 hours when Carlisle City travel to Welfare Park.