Northern League: Hall, Bott out of Ryhope CW’s Chester-le-Street crunch

Ryhope CW skipper Phil Hall (red/white) clears against Billingham Synthonia

Gary Pearson’s side, now just six points off the top with a game in hand, take on third-placed Chester-le-Street minus injured club captain Phil Hall.

Also out is Thomas Bott, their recent signing from Bishop Auckland, who made an impressive debut last Saturday.

The Cestrians’ promotion challenge suffered a setback with defeat by Team Northumbria in their previous game, but they are still only four points behind Ryhope.

Easington Colliery travel to Alnwick Town and a big blow is the decision of David “Busta” Paul to join local rivals Seaham Red Star.

“We waived the seven days notice period and wish David all the best. He deserves his chance at a higher level,” said assistant manager Craig Parkinson.

Youngsters Jack Devlin (17), Joe Kerridge (18) and 20-year-old Bryan Norton are named in tomorrow’s squad when they will compete to fill the void left by Paul’s departure.

“At Easington, if they are good enough they are old enough. Last Saturday, we had six under-21s in the starting line-up, so we are clearly giving youth its chance,” added Parkinson.

Lewis Galpin is the only absentee for South Shields in their trip to Billingham Synthonia.