Northern League: Improving Ryhope CW eager to avenge early-season Consett '˜battering'

Ryhope CW expect a tough First Division challenge tomorrow when they host Consett, who beat Shildon in midweek.
Washington (red) take on Chester-le-Street in last week's vital 2-0 away win. Picture by Kevin BradyWashington (red) take on Chester-le-Street in last week's vital 2-0 away win. Picture by Kevin Brady
Washington (red) take on Chester-le-Street in last week's vital 2-0 away win. Picture by Kevin Brady

Ryhope manager Gary Pearson said: “Earlier in the season, we took a battering (4-1 at Consett) and are looking to better that.

“We had early-season woes with injuries and suspensions, and players were coming to terms with the First Division. If we perform as well as I know we can, we can give anybody a good game.”

Ryhope striker Joey Melvin is out with a hamstring injury.

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Washington travel to West Allotment Celtic in a crucial relegation encounter.

The fourth-bottom Mechanics are desperate to at least maintain their six-point advantage over the Tynesiders.

Washington secretary Barry Spendley said: “Two suspensions mean Reece Noble and Danni Lay are unavailable, and Michael Laws is also unavailable.

“It’s a big game for us. We’re just above the bottom, so three points will help greatly. It will be a very hard game.”

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FA Vase heroes Sunderland RCA travel to Penrith, who have lost five of their eight home games so far.

Manager Martin Swales said: “Stephen Callen is away on holiday, and John Butler is out suspended with the start of a three-match ban.

“Ross McNab is also out injured, but returning this week are Adam McGuinness, Ross Preston, James Cassidy and Kieron Martin.

“We’re expecting a tough game after their recent wins - their confidence will be high.”

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Bottom club Chester-le-Street travel to Ashington and badly need the points.

The Cestrians have a full squad to select from, apart from Mark Peck and Lee Mole, who are Injured, and Michael Graver, who is on holiday.

Ashington boss Steve Harmison will be without Shaun Bell, Luke Salmon, Craig Scott and Ben Richardson.

West Auckland travel to neighbours Bishop Auckland and will give fitness tests to Matty Moffat and Darren Richardson.

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Official Cliff Alderson said: “It’s a local derby so anything could happen. Other than our loss in midweek, we’ve improved our performances over the last few games.”

Shildon, beaten at Consett in midweek, travel to Whitley Bay looking to regain winning ways.

Manager Gary Forrest said: “Daniel Moore is suspended, but Dan Groves is back after missing last two games. It’s a must-win game this weekend.

“We won 10 games on the trot then got beat 3-2 on Tuesday night, so we’re looking for the three points to stay in the title chase.”

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Bay should have a full squad available, having missed five players for last week’s draw at Newcastle Benfield.

Official Julian Taylor said: “The five youngsters who came in performed very well, which gives manager Marc Nash a pleasing headache. We’re in good form and looking to maintain a good run. It should be a good game.”

Leaders North Shields travel to Dunston UTS with a fully fit squad to choose from.

Manager Jon McDonald said: “We expect a tough game. Chris Swailes has got Dunston organised since his appointment as manager.

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“We watched them in midweek (a 2-0 win at Newcastle Benfield) so know what to expect. Our group are hungry to bounce back after the disappointment of losing last week in the Vase when we felt our performance warranted a win.”

Jarrow Roofing entertain managerless Newton Aycliffe without Dan Kirkup, goalkeeper Andy Hunter, midfielder Adam Smith and defender Arjun Purewal.