Northern League: Injuries hit RCA hard for North Shields clash, while five return to boost Ryhope CW

Swales said: “I’m busy trying to put a team together, and trying to bring some players in from Sunderland and Hartlepool United.

“I’ve spoken to the Under-23s managers at both clubs to try and get some loan deals.

“North Shields are always tough opponents, and it’s a big game. They haven’t been doing as well as normal, but neither have we.

“We’ve lost the last three games, and it’s difficult to gain momentum when you have as many players out as we do at the moment.”

The players missing include Greg Swansbury, player/coach Colin Larkin, Stephen Callen, Craig Hodgson, Clayton Davis, James Armstrong and Ross McNab.

Ryhope CW are looking forward to their away game at Penrith this weekend, but they will be without Ben Riding and Jack Cairns.

Kyle Davis, Christopher Trewick, Adam Cocks, Richard Paxton and Anthony Lowerson return to the squad, and Lewis Turnbull will require a late fitness test.

Assistant manager Stuart Gooden said: “I was really pleased with our FA Vase win against Northallerton last Saturday, followed by a very good point away to Consett on Tuesday night.

“We know we face another very tough game at Penrith, but we are going there full of confidence.”

Washington manager James Clark has a pretty much full strength squad to choose from when they travel to Bishop Auckland.

In addition, they will have new signings Connor Gardner, from West Auckland, and Lamin Cham, from Workington, travelling.

Clark said: “It’s a massive game and it’s important that we pull ourselves away from the position we’re in.

“Despite their results and position in the league, Bishop Auckland still have quality in their squad, so hopefully we can match them.”

Seaham Red Star travel to Teesside and play a rejuvenated Stockton Town side, as the Teessiders look to build on the excitement of the last minute winner from Chris Stockton in their Vase win over Consett last week.

They will be without Tom Coulthard and Dale Mulligan, but Paul Roddam should return.

Red Star are still without injured Craig Lynch, Ash Davies is serving a suspension, and both Robbie Bird and Liam Hodgson are doubtful. Arron Croft is back from injury and will be in the starting line-up, alongside Lee Hetherington.

Red Star’s co-manager, Chris McCabe, was disappointed to see his team go out of the FA Vase last week. He said: “We had the best two chances of the game in the 90 minutes, but squandered them. At this level you have to take your chances, as it proved in extra time when Marske scored with their first effort on goal.”

Co-manager Paul Johnson f added: “Stockton have started to put a good run of results together. We know it will be a tough game against them, but we are also playing well.

“Last week was our only defeat in our last six games, so we will be looking forward to the game.”

Consett will still be missing goalkeeper David Knight for their home game against high-flying West Auckland.

Matthew Slocombe also remains out with a collarbone injury. Back from injury is Michael Sweet, but he remains a doubt. Shaun Ryder and Jordan Lavery are back in the side, but there will be late fitness tests for Arjun Purewal and Clark Kay.

Chairman Frank Bell said: “It’s going to be an important game for both sides. If either team win, they could end up second. We have a good squad with strength and depth.

“We’ve been in worse positions, but the lads that have come in to play while others have been injured, have performed really well.”

Billingham Synthonia travel to Guisborough Town looking for their first win of the season.

The Priorymen will also be looking to win the game, to push themselves away from the relegation zone in this crucial ‘six-pointer’ clash.

Guisborough manager Gary Forster said: “We are looking forward to building on our excellent point-winning performance against league leaders Morpeth.

“Synners’ manager Conrad Hillerby has worked wonders with his side to get them back to Division One and has developed a very competitive team, despite all the upheaval he’s had to endure.”

Striker Dennis Knight returns for Jarrow Roofing at Dunston UTS, alongside defenders Ryan Burton and Brad Varga.

Jamie Marshall is unavailable for personal reasons, though, and Dan Kirkup is serving a suspension.