Wearside League: Silksworth eye Friday night crowd boost for Ashbrooke Belford derby

Seaham Red Star Reserves have brought forward tomorrow’s home fixture with Leam Rangers and Silksworth CW will host Ashbrooke Belford House in a Wearside derby (7.30pm).

Silksworth official David Steele said: “The last time we tried this, it was successful. There seems to be an attraction for Friday night football and, with it being against our neighbours, the match should pull in a decent crowd.”

Manager Malcolm McVay is back at the helm and a big boost to his side’s chances are the return of leading scorer Adam Storey, Stephen Moody and Craig Stewart.

Although Ashbrooke joint-boss Asa Dobbing reports that Michael Jacob, Mason Burton and Dale Wells come into the frame, five players are sidelined.

Work commitments prevent Lee Owens, Kevin Humble, Michael Young and Mark Green from playing and an injury rules out Stephen Halliday.

Seaham Red Star Reserves were hit for six by Redcar Athletic on Wednesday, but manager Kevin Dixon still took some positives out of the game.

He was particularly pleased that James Murphy managed 30 minutes, making his comeback following a long injury lay-off.

Dixon also picked out Aaron Woods, saying: “His return to the side has been like a breath of fresh air. His work-rate, skill on the ball and enthusiasm has rubbed off on the other lads.”

Marc Ruddock, Kristian Wilkinson, Adam Hepple and Andy Beer come into his plans, but neither Josh Ramshaw nor Callum Short can play.

Tomorrow, Horden CW’s fixture has been switched and will now be played at Hartlepool’s Grayfields ground.

Despite their off-the-field problems, the Colliers continue to challenge for a top-six spot, as do Hartlepool.

A keen contest is anticipated. Horden are stronger with the inclusion of Michael Pattison, Stephen Chapman, John Pyle and Ryan Brymer.

Pools, one place and a point ahead of their rivals, line up Ash Turnbull, Sam Cook, Rhys Tapner and Luke Larkin.

Sunderland West End are probably now playing for a top-three finish and they go to fourth-bottom Annfield Plain more confident after returning to winning form against Jarrow in midweek.

Boldon CA manager Paul Mossa welcomes back leading scorer Adam Bell for the South Tyneside derby against Jarrow at Perth Green.

Another boost is the decision of Phil Gray to return to the club after playing in the Northern League.

Shaun Graham, meanwhile, could make the bench after missing the last three games through work commitments.

Murton celebrated winning their first game in 32 attempts when they defeated Harton and Westoe on Wednesday, but they unquestionably will find it a lot more difficult at home to fourth-top Cleator Moor Celtic.

Spennymoor Town Reserves name Tom Maddison and Scott Young, along with Bobby Goundry for the home fixture against Harton and Westoe at Coxhoe.

Kai Willis, though, is banned and Moors have injury concerns for Mykel Summerson, Connor Dunlavey, Mitchell McKenna-Little and Lee Moore.

Until recently Harton were enjoying a reasonable season, but they are in danger of going into free-fall after suffering an 11-goal rout at Whitehaven last week and losing to Murton on Wednesday.

Their chances of arresting the slide are considerably improved with the return of nine players.

Carl Evans, David Halliday, David Graham, Phil Turner, Shaun Heads, Andy Hall, Andy Hill, Danny Lydon and Shaun Gray will all be staking a claim for starts.

Definitely out, though, is injured goalkeeper Andy Hunter, who will be replaced by Chris Smith, and central defender Neil Crammon.

Stockton Town have an excellent chance of reducing leaders Redcar Athletic’s four-point cushion to a single point when they go to third-bottom Wolviston.

Kallum Hannah and Tom Coulthard resume for the Teessiders and Adam Nicholson could start on the bench after recovering from injury. Despite having put a three-match unbeaten run together, Wolviston will be hard-pressed to curtail Stockton’s surge towards a fourth consecutive championship – especially as they miss four players.

Karl Barry, Aidan Cannon, Shaun Gregory and Matthew Bayston are sidelined, though Nick Robinson has completed a two-match ban.

Richmond Town and Redcar Athletic will be competing for a place in the Final of the Wearside League Cup.

The Yorkshiremen cannot name Lee White or Ben Clarke, but Sam Bamber-Lister resumes after recovering from illness.

Defender Liam Wood has a chance of making his comeback for Redcar after being out for six weeks with a knee injury. The Seasiders’ only definite absentee is James Swann, who has work commitments.