Wearside League: Silksworth CW boss Stobbart thinking positively for Leam Rangers clash

The Wearsiders remain sixth-bottom after the fighting midweek defeat to leaders Cleator Moor Celtic, but Stobbart has faith in his squad.

He said: “In recent games, we have started to convert our chances and also get the results that our performances have deserved.

“This will be a tough encounter away from home, but we will be looking to continue in the right direction with another positive result.

“This will be our second away league game in four days, following the long trip to Cleator Moor Celtic in midweek. Games at Leam Rangers are always competitive and it is expected to be a tight affair, between two solid sides.”

Silksworth’s pool of goalkeepers has been strengthened by the re-signing of Dan Lowerson, as young keeper Jak Wright continues to experience niggling injuries, this time an ankle ligament strain.

Defenders Mason Burton and Matty Hampton, plus midfielder Michael McVay, are all expected to return.

Leam Rangers miss the suspended Christopher Lowther and Anthony Brewis, but Leon Kane should return for the Hilltop clash.

Sunderland West End, in seventh place, journey to lowly Coxhoe Athletic.

Manager Anthony Nelson said: “Graeme Pickering comes back in the squad after missing last week because of a wedding.

“Nathan Burrell also comes back after work commitments, Adam Drysdale is still suspended and Jamie Fryatt is still missing due to an injury, but Anthony Ross is looking to start after his injury.“

Nelson added: “Coxhoe have signed a lot of new players, so we know it will be a hard game, but hopefully we will get the three points.”

Fourth-top Boldon CA are on their travels to table-toppers Cleator Moor, arguably the hardest test of the season for Paul Mossa’s team.

Midweek match winner Tom West and Frankie Hucks are available, but centre-back Jonny Gage is still out with a muscle strain. Oliver Bone faces a fitness test to see if he can travel the two and a half hours to the game.

Second-top Hebburn Town Reserves, just one point behind Cleator Moor, visit Annfield Plain, who have picked up markedly in recent weeks and are fifth.

Harton and Westoe CW host second-bottom Prudhoe Town.

Manager David Crumbie goes into the game with possibly the strongest squad he has had since taking the helm.

Long-term injury victim Brodie Simpson is the only name missing from the squad.

Skipper Jason Pressling looks like he is over his knee injury and, along with fellow defender Andrew Burdon, returns to the squad.

Crumbie said: “Experience is something we lack in abundance, so the return of Nick Pain will be a huge boost to the squad.

“It’s baby steps at first, consolidate into a top-half finish this season if possible, then, with another year’s experience behind some of these very young players, we will push on next year, hopefully to challenge for trophies.”

South Shields Reserves visit Wolviston and will be without Logan Powell, Scott Rafferty and Tommy Conroy through injury.

Manager Leepaul Scroggins is in discussions with several players with a view to strengthening his squad, to cover injuries and create competition for places.

Wolviston manager Steve Cook is looking for another goalkeeper after big shot-stopper Chris Davidson surprisingly announced his retirement.

Full-back Jake Marron is back from a one-match ban, while utility player Billy Crookston returns after a short holiday. Defenders Nathan Bonar (hamstring) and Spencer Nicholson (ankle) are still missing.

Hartlepool welcome Windscale without the suspended Ashley Clark, but Lee Jones and Luke Naylor are expected to return.

The Cumbrians should have a full squad to choose from, barring defender Dan Morgan, who has work commitments. Slight niggles to strikers Jordan Livingstone (back) and Lewis Jolly (calf) should be shaken off in time to play.

Richmond Town and Stokesley SC are both on North Riding Cup duty.