NE Premier League: Boldon captain urges improvement ahead of Washington showdown

Boldon have lost all three league matches so far, sitting in third-bottom spot on just 10 points, having played a game more than the bottom two of South Shields (seven) and Blaydon (four).

Ellison said ahead of the Sunderland Road clash: “The team needs to be much more competitive as we struggle for form after a poor start to the season.

“On team matters, Gary Scott is still out with his broken hand, as is Ian Pattison with a bad knee.Anthony Brown is also absent.

Washington’s Ash Thorpe, whose side fought well for a draw at Burnopfield last week, said: “We are an unchanged team as the side comes to terms with what is required to gain success in this league.

“The squad all have their instructions and know what is expected from the players in the side to benefit the team as a unit.”

Sunderland travel to Willington, looking to make it three wins in the first four games.

Ashbrooke chairman Mike Smith said: “I am very pleased with the progress of the team and hope they continue this early season form.

“This will be tough game and very competitive, but we are looking forward to the game nonetheless.”

Willington skipper James Stock said: “Jason Marshall cannot play unfortunately, having scored plenty of runs in the last fixture, so Jack Howell replaces him.

“Other than that change, the team should be the same after a good win last time out, which has boosted morale.”

High-flying Burnmoor entertain bottom club Blaydon and visiting skipper Geoff Stewart said: “The side is missing Phillip Miller, who is absent. David Bailey opens the batting in his absence.

“All the players remain in contention as the team struggles for form, in what has been a stop/start beginning to the season.

“We all need to roll our sleeves up, get stuck in and become much more competitive and soon!”

Castle Eden, beaten by Sunderland last weekend, welcome leaders Brandon.

Brandon captain Chris Peareth said: “We should be the same team as last week, after the winning draw.

“Castle Eden have a couple of very good players, including their professional, who needs to be treated with the greatest of respect.

“Nevertheless, if all the team do themselves justice, there is no reason why the outcome can’t be a positive one.”

South Shields, after a bye week, take on Burnopfield, whose skipper, Cole Pearce, said: “It’s the same side as last week that will take to the field, with the exception of Lee Whitfield who should return after a knee injury suffered earlier in the season.”

Gateshead Fell, big derby victors over Blaydon last Saturday, sit out this weekend.