Ryhope CW full of confidence for FA Vase crunch at Billingham Town after derby triumph

Assistant manager Stuart Gooden said: “After a great win on Tuesday against a very good Seaham Red Star side, we go into the FA Vase game full of confidence.

“We are under no illusions that we will be in for a very difficult game, but it’s a game we are very much looking forward too!”

The First Division newcomers definitely miss Tom Bott, who is away, while recent signing Adam Sakr is cup-tied and Matty Stephenson is injured.

Late fitness tests will be required for Matty Weirs, James Ellis, Stephen Francis and skipper Nathan O’Neill.

But boss Gary Pearson does have midfielder Chris Trewick returning to the squad.

Billingham Town will be without suspended duo Stephen Oakley and Clayton McDonald, as well as long-term injured absentees Daniel Lambert, Daniel Maloney and Harry Taylor.

Town, though, are buoyant after beating Second Division leaders Team Northumbria last Saturday.

Sunderland RCA entertain Stockton Town at Meadow Park, with the visitors riding high in Division Two and travelling with a full squad.

Sonni Coleman has recovered from a pulled muscle he received in the last round at Holker Old Boys, and Matthew Garbutt, their only other injury worry, came through the last 20 minutes at Alnwick Town last week without a problems, so he is in contention to return to the side.

Lowly Chester-le-Street journey to First Division leaders North Shields for a daunting tie and are missing Alex White, David Latham, Callum Johnston and Lee Mole, all through injury.

But they do have Cameron Nichol returning to the squad.

There will be late fitness tests for Michael Graver, Matthew Smith and Mark Pattison.

Club chairman Joe Burlison said: “It’s going to be a hard game, but we will take it as it comes.”

South Shields are at home to Marske United, who ended the Mariners’ FA Cup ambitions back in August.

Official Chris Reay said: “We want to progress in the FA Vase, and put last weekend’s result (a 1-0 league defeat to North Shields) behind us.”

Louis Storey, Leepaul Scroggins and Gavin Cogdon are out, while Anthony Callaghan is cup -tied having played in an earlier round for Washington. Craig Turns has been signed after fellow goalkeeper Jonathan Carmichael left for Sunderland RCA.

Shildon visit Northern Counties East League side Pickering Town, who have knocked Ryhope CW out of the FA Cup this season before losing to Washington, while Dunston UTS entertain Hemsworth Miners Welfare and holders Morpeth Town head to Sheffield to take on Hallam.

Newton Aycliffe welcome Northern Counties East League club Worksop Town to Moore Lane, with Newcastle Benfield hosting league colleagues Penrith.