Northern League: Assistant boss Gooden urges Ryhope CW to kick on after successive victories

Assistant manager Stuart Gooden said: “We have won two on the bounce now, so the team will be full of confidence and hopefully we can kick on now and stay clear of the relegation battle.”

Gary Pearson’s men miss defender Matty Stephenson and midfielder Nathan O`Neill through injury, and defender Elliott Woods and midfielder Simon Ord through work.

But defender Thomas Bott returns to the squad alongside midfielders Chris Trewick and Adam Sakr.

Jarrow Roofing, boosted by last week’s much-needed win over Ashington, have a tough trip to Morpeth Town.

Boss Richie McLoughlin said: “That win was absolutely massive for us. The whole team was given a massive lift at the full-time whistle, and I hope that they can now kick on from this and string a run of results together.

“Morpeth are a top-three side, but we have nothing to fear. We have shown what we can do against some of the best sides in this division, and we will be going there with our sights set on claiming the three points.

“It’s important that we build on our recent progress.”

Chris Winn scored his first Roofing goal against Ashington and McLoughlin said of the ex-Washington striker: “He can cause problems to any defence, and it was great to see him score. That will give him a massive confidence boost”

Anth Myers and goalkeeper Andy Hunter are doubts, with both suffering from sickness, while Ross Toward and Darryll Donnelly are suspended. However, Kerry Hedley and captain Alex White are set to make welcome returns.

In Division Two, fifth-top Easington Colliery face a tricky task at Heaton Stannington as they look to extend their seven-game unbeaten league run.

Paul Frame’s men beat Heaton 2-0 at home in August, so a double against the ninth-placed Tynesiders will be a big boost to their promotion ambitions.

Fourth-bottom Crook Town, at full strength, have a very tough task at home to second-top Billingham Synthonia, who can choose from a full squad for the first time this season

Willington, third-bottom and behind Crook on goal difference, have a crucial game at second-bottom Darlington RA.

Hall Lane secretary Geoff Siddle said: “We have a full squad to choose from, including new signing Dale Jardine, signed from Washington.”

Tow Law Town face a tough test at third-top Stockton Town.

Lawyers secretary Steve Moralee said: The only player missing will be Liam Whitworth, who is out suspended. It’s going to be a tough game - Stockton are doing well at the moment, but we’ve had some good results, so it should be a decent game.”

Stockton will give a debut to new signing Max Craggs, from Billingham Synthonia, and Tom Coulthard returns from holiday, but Fred Woodhouse is missing. Michael Dunwell has signed 11 of the club’s U18 side to boost his 20-man squad.

Bottom club Esh Winning are at fifth-bottom Thornaby and manager Tony Boakes said: “We’re still trying to get debuts for new signings Graham Embleton and Shaun Ross. Lee Best is still out injured, but Mark Fish returns from holidays.

“It’s a tricky game - the last seven out of eight games have been tricky away games, so hopefully we will just go there and win.”

Brandon United journey to Northallerton Town, without Luke Thompson and Lewis Martin, who are both suspended.

Northallerton definitely miss Mattie Lovatt, Stephen Cheeseman and Tom Atkinson, while long-term absentees Jack Proctor and James Muir are not yet 100 per cent fit and Louie Whensley and Richard Walker are both struggling with injuries.

Billingham Town host Whickham, whose manager, Robin Falcus, said: “Chad Collins is still out with his long-term groin injury, but Mark Fitzpatrick, Craig Rook, David Glasper, Alex Curran and Kallum Broadhead all return to the squad.”