Northern League: RCA call in keeper Carmichael ahead of testing home clash with Marske United

Ex-Washington keeper Carmichael will bolster Swales’ options in goal, given the long-term injury absence of Neal Bussey.

Swales said: “Clayton Davis is not available due to work and Ross McNab is out injured.

“Craig Hodgson and Callum Hassan are back available this week and I am expecting a tough game, as Marske are on top form at the moment, but we’re looking to push forward and get a result.”

Seaham Red Star, in sixth, have a tough match when they travel to Morpeth Town, who are third, with games in hand oN the top two.

Nicky Kane returns from holiday for Star and skipper Lee Kerr returns after serving a one-match suspension.

Andy Johnston could hold his place after producing a man-of-the-match performance in his first start last weekend, while Luke Proctor is added to the squad following a long-term injury.

Washington host Ashington after three successive defeats in league and cup.

The visitors have goalkeeper Conor Grant returning to the squad, while manager Steve Harmison awaits fitness reports on Andrew Bulford, Ben Richardson and Lee McAndrew.

South Shields entertain neighbours North Shields in the match of the day.

The Robins, who lead by five points but have played two games more, have a full-strength squad available, apart from Craig McFarlane, who returns later this month.

Manager Jon McDonald said: “We are looking forward to the occasion, as always, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

South Shields will be without Louis Storey (broken leg) and Gavin Cogdon (groin strain).

The attendance is expected to smash the Mariners Park record of 1,827, set in April for a 2-0 Second Division win over Hebburn Town.

South Shields joint manager Graham Fenton comes up against his former club.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. I really enjoyed my time at North Shields and I’m looking forward to seeing a few people.

“I know quite a bit about the lads at North Shields, but we went and watched them again in midweek against Morpeth. Our lads are confident that we can take anyone on in this league and get a positive result.”

“We’re going to have real difficulty picking the side, because obviously people are doing really, really well, particularly when you’ve won eight on the trot.”

Champions Shildon are at home to Jarrow Roofing and manager Gary Forrest said: “We’re at full strength.

“We have got to take advantage of the South Shields-North Shields derby. One or both of them are going to lose points depending on the result, but only if we win, can we capitalise, so we’ve got to pick up the three points.”

Roofing manager Richie McLoughlin misses Ant Myers, Alex White and Kerry Hedley, who are all out injured, but Shaun Vipond returns from holiday.

McLoughlin said: “We have three new players in with Ross Toward, Adam Smith and Darren Holden. We played well in midweek (a 3-1 loss to Marske United) and looked a lot better.

“We’re playing a good Shildon team, so it will be a difficult game, but the lads are gelling a bit more.”