Northern League: Tricky challenge for Easington as Redman is ruled out for the season

Ryhope CW's Josh Home-Jackson (red) scraps against Morpeth Town in the First Division last week. Picture by Tim Richardson

The Colliers travel to Willington and will be without Ian Redman, who will miss the rest of the season. Aidan Goodey is 50/50 to make a return, but Shaun Smith is doubtful.

Chester-le-Street journey to Billingham Town without Kevin Dixon, Conor Lyon, Andrew Clarkson and Sam Moore.

But club captain Kieran Megran returns to the squad.

Manager Colin Wake said: “We recently drew with Billingham in a close game and we expect the same on Saturday. We are in the middle of a good patch of form, so we hope to continue that.”

Billingham Town have Clayton MacDonald back from suspension. Aaron Doyle, from the folded Reserve team, may feature.

Their three central defenders – Jack Connor, Mark Ward and Jamie Bellamy – are all unavailable.

Manager James Hunter said: “We’re finally getting back to Bedford Terrace for a long-awaited home game.

“We only played Chester-le-Street a couple of weeks ago, so we know what to expect. We know it will be a tough game.

“We now have a fuller squad so selection may be difficult, but that’s a good problem to have.”

Tow Law Town host promotion-chasing Hebburn Town and welcome Lewis Brown back after suspension.

Secretary Steve Moralee said: “It is a traumatic end to the season for all clubs, some playing seven or eight fixtures in the final fortnight

“Further uncertainty is caused by the imminent restructuring of the league, with clubs not knowing the exact ‘terms’. It is difficult to rotate players when your fate is unknown.”

Durham City, beaten heavily last Saturday, face a tough trip to Heaton Stannington.

Relegation-threatened Brandon United are at bottom club Alnwick Town in a crucial battle to avoid the drop.

Elsewhere, Crook Town entertain West Allotment Celtic, Esh Winning travel to Jarrow, Darlington RA host Bedlington Terriers and table-toppers Northallerton Town are at home to Whickham in what promises to be a cracker.

Last night, Chester-le-Street were comfortable 2-0 winners at Esh Winning, thanks to second-half goals from Christopher Stephenson and Lee Mole.

Tow Law outgunned Alnwick Town 5-0, courtesy of Daniel Walker (2), Rhys Harbottle, Dean Thexton and Lewis Teasdale.

Thornaby rose to fourth place after a 2-0 win at Willington, with Joe Posthill and Kallum Hannah on target.

Whickham moved second after a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Jarrow, while Bedlington Terriers lost 1-0 to visitors West Allotment Celtic, with Nicky Whitelaw netting just before half-time.