Wearside League: Cain able to take over as Horden chairman as Norman Stephens steps down

Horden CW (blue) take on Horden earlier this season. Picture by Tom Banks

Chris Cain takes over, Graeme Weatherill is secretary and Ryan Cuthbert treasurer.

Martin Mulcaster stays on as manager and he has no selection concerns for the visit of Whitehaven in the Wearside League tomorrow.

He was, though, bitterly disappointed that last week’s game at Cleator Moor was called off at the last minute. “Both teams wanted to play and, of course, it was a long and costly journey for us – but the referee ruled that the pitch was unplayable which means we face another trip into Cumbria,” said Mulcaster, whose side host Whitehaven tomorrow (2pm)

Ashbrooke Belford House will be hoping they also don’t make an abortive journey to Cleator Moor Celtic.

Joint manager Asa Dobbing has Adam Hopps completing a suspension, while Jordan Birnie and Kevin Humble are working, and Shaun Petch is at a wedding.

Kieron Stokoe, Nathan Burrell and Nathan Burton come in and there will be fitness tests for David Scott and Michael Young.

Seaham Red Star Reserves visit Murton in the East Durham derby without injured pair Brian Stoddard and Chris Blaney. Kyle Bell, 17, has been added to the first-team squad for the rest of the season, but brothers Callum and Connor Short, Dan Reeves and Ryan Martin come into the frame.

Sunderland West End boss Anth Nelson is in no doubt that the Ford Quarry clash with Redcar Athletic is ‘massive’.

He said: “They are top and although we are fifth, trailing them by 16 points, we have eight games in hand.

“We’ve just lost once all season, a record equalled only by Stockton Town, so we go into tomorrow’s match confident we can maintain our challenge for the championship.”

Redcar, who have chalked up 100 goals in 24 games, have Chris Atkinson, Chris Bivens, Matthew Berry and James Swann all pushing manager Steve Connolly for starting places.

Boldon CA boss Paul Mossa is looking for his team to build up a little momentum following recent impressive performances.

He takes his side to Coxhoe to tackle Spennymoor Town Reserves but is unable to consider James Pickering or Adam Sharp.

David Conroy made his return last Saturday, playing 10 minutes and could feature again. Moors’ manager Carl Beasley has a full squad.