Northern League: Injuries hit Chester-le-Street hard ahead of season-ending cup final against Ryton and Crawcrook Albion

Chester-le-Street are struggling with injuries ahead of tomorrow's Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup final against Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
Stockton Town (red) battle against the now-defunct Jarrow Roofing last weekend. Picture by Tim Richardson.Stockton Town (red) battle against the now-defunct Jarrow Roofing last weekend. Picture by Tim Richardson.
Stockton Town (red) battle against the now-defunct Jarrow Roofing last weekend. Picture by Tim Richardson.

The Cestrians have endured a tough first season back in the Second Division, but will still hope to end the campaign in style, in the final at neutral Consett (noon kick-off).

Manager Colin Wake said: “We have problems with injuries as Sam Moore, David Surrey, Mark Peck, Scott Robson are out for the rest of the season.

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“I have some other players doubtful for the final. Kieran Megran, Craig Marron, Aaron Reynolds and Alex White are all nursing injuries, but we definitely will have Kevin Dixon and Joshua King in the squad.”

Tony Fawcett, the Ryton and Crawcrook manager, is relishing the big occasion.

He said: “We have a full squad to choose from barring Ben Miley and Lee Crammond, who are both having to work.

“Callum Turnbull and Phil Hodges have cancelled holidays with their other halves to be available and to what consequences they have incurred I do not know!

‘It will be a fantastic day-out for our club.

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“I believe it is only the second cup final our club has ever been involved in and if we win, it would be the first trophy the club has ever won in the Northern League.

“I’m proud of everyone associated with the club and can’t wait to have a bash at winning it.”

There are two cup finals at Consett tomorrow, with the Chester-Ryton clash followed at 3pm by the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup final between Bishop Auckland and Dunston UTS.

Bishops are eager to make amends for a poor season which saw them finish the First Division campaign in fourth-bottom spot, narrowly avoiding the drop.

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Dunston secretary Bill Montague said: “We welcome back captain Dale Burrell after suspension, but fitness doubts surround Ben Pollock, Kelvin Thear, Scott Heslop, Matteo Faiola and Dan Lowther.

“Jack Elliott is cup-tied, having played for Consett in an earlier round.”

All-day tickets at Consett are priced £10 (adults) and £5 (over-60s and under-16s).

Dunston lost 2-1 at home to Stockton Town in the final game of the Northern League Division One season last night.

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Jake Stafford netted for the hosts, but an own goal and a late Sonni Coleman strike gave the Teessiders all three points. The Anchors can now turn their focus fully on their FA Vase final date at Wembley on May 20.

* Consett have named former player Chris Moore as their new manager. The 34-year-old, who controls Durham University’s football programme, takes over from Marc Eccles.