Northern League: Confidence high for McCabe as Red Star eye revenge against RCA

The sides met in the Durham Challenge Cup recently, with RCA edging through 3-2.

McCabe said: “Having just played RCA recently, we know it will be another tough game against them.

“They are on a good run of results and we are missing key players through injuries, however, the lads that have come in have done really well and we will be going into the game confident we can win it.

Red Star are certainly going through a bad patch with injuries and absentees.

Out are Craig Lynch, Lee Hetherington and Ash Davis, with doubts over Andy Johnston, Nicky Kane and Liam McBryde, who will all have fitness tests.

However, three new three signings - Tom Bramley, Tommy Scott and Alex Ramshaw - will all feature for the second week in a row, and Red Star are considering a couple of new signings.

Co-manager Paul Johnson added: “I was disappointed at the dropping of two points last weekend, but when their keeper makes a number of good saves, including a penalty save, there’s not much more we can do.

“It didn’t help having to reshuffle the side following Liam McBryde’s late withdrawal 10 minutes before kick-off, with an injury in the warm-up.”

RCA manager Martin Swales is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the game.

He said: “We’re on a six-game unbeaten run, which has lifted us up to eighth in the table, and we expect to go there and win after our 3-2 home win against them, just over a week ago, in the Durham Challenge Cup.

“We’re up and running, ahead of our FA Vase game next week. A lot of our old players are now playing at Seaham, which will spice things up a bit, but we’re hoping to take all three points.”

Swales added: “We let our goalkeeper, Jack Patton, leave this week and sign for them.

“Goalkeeper Neal Bussey and skipper Greg Swansbury are out this weekend and Jonny Davis is also unavailable, with a hamstring injury, but James Armstrong is back after long-term injury.

“Luke Richardson, who was away on holiday last week, will be back in the team.”

Ryhope CW assistant manager Stuart Gooden is in confident mood ahead of the visit of Team Northumbria.

Chris Wallace and Elliot Woods are both out injured, but Danni Lay returns from suspension and Lewis Turnbull returns from injury.

Gooden said: “We had an excellent away win at West Auckland on Tuesday night and I was really pleased with the performance - the players were fantastic, so we are just hoping to carry on and get some points this weekend.

“It will be a tough game against Team Northumbria, but we are going In with confidence.”

Washington manager James Clark has injury problems ahead of the home clash with Guisborough.

Clark said: “We will have at least six players out through injury, so it’s going to be a test for the squad this weekend. It’s a massive game and it’s important that we pick something up from the game.”

Guisborough have fitness doubts over defenders Lee Bythway (thigh) and Dylan McAvoy (groin). Right-back Bradley Mills faces a lengthy lay-off with a shoulder injury.

Consett travel to Marske United missing only Josh Gray, who picked up a hamstring injury last week.

Consett manager Mark Eccles said: “Apart from that, all players are back to fitness and we have a full team to choose from.

“It’s going to be a tough game at Marske, who are going very well in the league. They will be strong and with their good run of form, they’ll expect all three points.

“We’re on a strong run ourselves and believe we can go there and take the points from them.”

Marske have James Fairley back, but Josh Hawkes’ loan spell has ended.

Third-top Shildon are away to leaders Morpeth Town in the game of the day. Only eight points separate the two teams, with Shildon having two games in hand.

West Auckland welcome Billingham Synthonia, who have Lewis Dalton rated doubtful, with Tom Gavin and Scott Howes definitely ouyt.

On a positive note, Kieran Edwards and Wilf Dinsdale should return.

Jarrow Roofing travel to Ashington and, having conceded a minimum of four goals in seven of their last eight games, manager Richie McLoughlin is seeking defensive solidity.

He said: “We need to be more ruthless and clear our lines a lot quicker and this may cut down the number of poor goals we are letting in.”

Newcastle Benfield entertain fourth-placed North Shields, Whitley Bay take on Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe welcome Dunston UTS.