Northern League: Sakr set for Ryhope debut in tough challenge at Newton Aycliffe

Ryhope CW, third-bottom in Division One, journey to seventh-placed Newton Aycliffe tomorrow without Matty Weirs, Stephen Francis and Matty Stephenson, who are all injured.
Sunderland RCAs Michael Charlton (red) takes on Washington last week. Picture by Kevin BradySunderland RCAs Michael Charlton (red) takes on Washington last week. Picture by Kevin Brady
Sunderland RCAs Michael Charlton (red) takes on Washington last week. Picture by Kevin Brady

But keeper Chris Rookes and striker Joey Melvin return and their new signing from Jarrow Roofing, Adam Sakr, is set to make his debut.

Assistant manager Stu Gooden said: “We have seen big improvements in our last two performances against Dunston UTS and West Auckland, but came away with no points, hopefully we can start turning our performances into points.

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“We know we are in for a long, hard second half of the season to stay in the league, but we are right up for the battle and I am confident we can do it!”

Chester-le-Street have several players missing at Penrith. Mark Peck, Aaron Reynolds, Craig Marron, David Latham, Alex White and Michael Graver will not make the trip.

Chester hope to have new signing Joe Hailes in the squad.

West Auckland, at home to Whitley Bay, will give fitness tests to Matty Moffatt and Carl Jones.

Official Cliff Anderson said: “We’ve improved the last month, had a good run and are hoping to keep that going. It won’t be easy against Whitley Bay, but it should be a good game and hopefully we’ll win.”

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Easington Colliery are targeting a push back up the Division Two table - after slipping to seventh place in the table.

Paul Frame’s side have had just two league games since October 8, and have game in hand on all but one of the clubs above them.

Assistant manager Craig Parkinson said: “The next three games are against teams in the bottom half and they be looking to get going again in the league, having had a lot of cup matches and getting back into the automatic promotion spots real soon.”

Tomorrow, Easington are at home to Willington and have new signing and ex-Rotherham United player Jake Fenton looking for a first start. The 19-year-old made his debut from the bench against Penrith in the FA Vase.

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Shane O’Brien, Ian Redman and Dan Martin are in the squad, having missed last week’s hard-fought 0-0 draw at Whickham.

Shaun Smith misses out through injury, having cracked a bone in his foot six weeks ago, and Bryan Norton will undertake a late fitness test. Aaron Croft is back in the squad.

High-flying Durham City are at Thornaby and manager Ollie Hotchkiss said: “We’re waiting on Glen Lewis, who is carrying a bit of a knock.

“Ross Simpson is away so is not available, and we’re working on a few players in terms of transfers and we have secured the services of goalkeeper Dan Gladstone for the rest of the season.”

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Crook Town have a full-strength squad available for their tough trip to Blyth Town, who have signed highly-rated left-back John Grey, who played for South Shields in last season’s Second Division title-winning campaign.

Tow Law Town are at home to Northallerton Town and secretary Steve Moralee said: “We have a full squad available and have signed right-back Ben Collinson.

“I am hoping to have another couple of signings by Saturday.”

“It should be a decent game against Northallerton, it always is. We’re both about mid-table; they’ve had a good run and we’ve had a good couple of wins and hopefully we can land the points.”

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Bottom club Esh Winning are at Darlington RA without Lee Best, Damon Ellis and Andrew Clarkson and are not sure whether Scott McArdle’s transfer from Newton Aycliffe will come through in time.

Hebburn Town seek a seventh successive league win at home to Heaton Stannington, but they must do it without top scorer Channon North, who is unavailable.

Right-back Ross Toward has joined neighbours Jarrow Roofing, but Adam Rundle has signed up for the Hornets, leaving West Auckland.

Boss Scott Oliver said: “He is a fantastic signing for us - his experience will be vital as the season goes on. He has played 350 Football League games and scored at Wembley in the Division Two play-off final.

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“Adam has come to us young enough to make a difference and, like all our players, he is here for the right reasons.”

James Davidson will replace Toward at right-back, while Alan Pegram, Josh Perry and James Talbot return to the squad.