Northern League: Ryhope CW seek consistency after up and down week, ahead of tough trip to Marske United

Secretary Dougie Bennison is calling for more consistency from Gary Pearson and Stu Gooden’s team.

Last weekend’s memorable 10-1 FA Vase trouncing of Harrogate RA set up a home second round tie against City of Liverpool, but Ryhope then slipped up in midweek, in the Durham Challenge Cup.

Bennison said: “Tom Bott, Chris Trewick and Lewis Turnbull all return to the squad, but Danni Lay is suspended.

“We’ve had an up and down week, beating Harrogate Town 10-1 in the FA Vase in the best result of the weekend, but we then crashed back down to earth with a 3-1 midweek shock defeat, at the hands of Chester-le-Street.

“We hope to be a bit more consistent, with the return of Thomas Bott, Chris Trewick and Lewis Turnbull.”

Marske, who made progress in the Vase in their delayed tie on Wednesday, are in terrific form, but will have injured pair Ashley Coffey and Andy Ramsbottom missing, but, other than that, they have a full squad available.

Sunderland RCA manager Martin Swales is in an upbeat mood ahead of their home game with Ashington, a team they beat 4-0 in the FA Cup back in August.

Swales said: “After a good 5-2 away win at Jarrow Roofing last week, we hope to build on our five-game unbeaten run.

“We have a tough game against Ashington, but are feeling confident. Still out will be captain Greg Swansbury, James Armstrong and goalkeeper Neal Bussey.

“Back in the squad will be Clayton Davis, and Luke Page will return after a suspension. There will be a late fitness test on leading goalscorer Nathan O’Neill.”

The visitors still have Ben Christensen sidelined through injury, but, other than that, have a full squad to choose from for the game.

Seaham Red Star meet bottom club Billingham Synthonia for the second successive weekend, having won 7-3 on home turf last Saturday.

Red Star ssecretary David Copeland said: “We expect to have Andrew Johnson back in the squad this weekend.

“New signing Alex Ramshaw, who has been playing for Sunderland Foundation Youths, could come into the squad and Aaron Croft will be available, after missing the midweek game through work commitments.

“Thomas Scott impressed on Tuesday night, winning the man of the match award, and will probably keep his place, but Lee Chapman is injured and will be missing.”

Craig Lynch is still out with a long-term injury.

Copeland added: “This weekend will be a very funny game to predict.

“We played Billingham at home last Saturday and won 7-3, so I would expect to win again and get three more points to move us up the table.

“Manager Chris McCabe was pleased with our performance against Sunderland RCA in midweek, even though we lost 3-2 (in the Durham Challenge Cup).

“He expected us to get an equaliser to take the game to penalties, but, sadly, it wasn’t to be.”

Washington manager James Clark has a full squad to choose from, for their difficult game at fourth-placed Shildon.

The Mechanics put up a hard-working effort to only lose narrowly to Morpeth Town last week and will look to repeat that standard of performance at Dean Street.

Clark said: “There are no injuries to report and the team will be looking to build on their narrow defeat, when they hosted Morpeth Town last weekend. Hopefully the squad will also be strengthened by the addition of a new centre-forward by this weekend.”

Consett manager Mark Eccles is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Cumbria to play Penrith.

He said: “We have a full squad of 21 players to choose from, with everybody fully fit, so unfortunately a few will miss out.

“Goalkeeper David Knight will still be missing, with what looks like being a long-term injury, but Daniel Craggs should return to the squad.

“Hopefully we will go to Penrith, pick up all three points and look to keep a clean sheet.

“We hope the lads can perform well again, as they did midweek when going through to the next round of the Durham Challenge Cup, after a 1-0 win away to Newton Aycliffe.”

West Auckland, in sixth, face a tough trip to third-top North Shields, for what should be a cracking clash.

Stockton Town travel to Bishop Auckland without the unavailable Tom Coulthard and Fred Woodhouse.

But manager Michael Dunwell has a strong squad to choose from they look to continue their unbeaten run going. They are undefeated in eight in all competitions.

Jarrow Roofing head to Guisborough, while Whitley Bay host Newton Aycliffe, Dunston UTS entertain Newcastle Benfield and leaders Morpeth Town visit Team Northumbria.