Wearside League: West End boss Nelson wary of Ashbrooke Belford House cup threat

Anth Nelson’s side hope to take a further step towards the double. They are one of three teams – the others being Redcar Athletic and Stockton Town – who are in with a chance of winning the championship.

“We are taking every game as it comes and it will be another big challenge tomorrow,” observed West End boss Nelson, who expects to field a strong line-up.

Ashbrooke’s joint manager, Asa Dobbing, reports that he could have a new signing in the squad, but definitely back are Lee Owens, Mark Green and Kevin Humble. David Scott, though, is injured and Corey Steele is also unavailable.

A boost to Silksworth CW’s chances in their tie at home to Hartlepool is the inclusion of leading scorer Adam Storey, who will be partnered in the attack by Stephen Moody.

Andrew Donnelly has missed the last three games through injury and remains a doubt, while full-back Dean Randall is away.

Manager Willie Crew is enjoying his new role and is hopeful that the Colliers can send Pool crashing out.

A minute’s silence will be held before Boldon CA’s tie with Annfield Plain in memory of long-serving vice-president George Taylor.

Chairman Kevin Oliver said: “George was a great supporter of the club for many, many years and will be a big miss.”

Manager Paul Mossa will be without captain and centre-half Aaron Burn for the remainder of the season because of work commitments. David Conroy, Adam Sharp and Frank Hucks miss out tomorrow.

Annfield Plain have Aaron Wilkinson and Paul Clark both suspended.

Redcar Athletic’s second round Shipowners’ Cup tie has been switched to Cleator Moor Celtic following three postponements at Green Lane.

A squad of 14 will travel to Cumbria, including Matthew Dunford and Danny Wray. Kristian Kamara and Sam Webster are struggling for fitness, while Liam Wood will be out for up to a month.

Luke Woodall, Jordan Kirk and Liam Fox are expected to retain their places after stepping up from the reserves.

Following much speculation in the last few days, chairman Norman Stephens has confirmed that Horden CW will definitely fulfil their league fixture at Harton and Westoe (2.30pm).

“We are still looking for a ground on which to play our home fixtures, but I’m very confident that we’ll still be in business at the end of the season,” enthused Stephens.

Seaham Red Star Reserves are at home to Whitehaven, unable to name 17-year old Brandon Moran who could be out for another two weeks. The youngster is involved with the North Riding Under-18 squad.

Adam Hepple and Kyle Morris will require fitness tests, but Andy Beer and Jonathan Hodgson come into contention for starts.

Murton – the only side yet to win – face yet another difficult task at home to Richmond Town, who have Michael Layfield back following his return from a cricket tour.

Lee White is also available, but centre Mark Edzes and winger Michael Ingram are ruled out.

Redcar Athletic are on cup duty, giving second-top Stockton Town the opportunity to reduce the Seasiders’ seven-points lead.

Stockton, who have lost just once all season, take on Prudhoe Town and will need to decide on whether fit-again Michael Arthur takes over in goal from Liam Jordan.

Former Horden CW manager Martin Mulcaster has joined the management team of Paul Cooper and David Ross at Spennymoor Town Reserves, who entertain Leam Rangers.

David Gibson and Mitchell McKenna-Little are expected to feature for the Reserves, but Mikel Summerson is a definite absentee.

Leam have skipper Niki Langston back and top scorer Johnny Hirst is expected to be fit following a knee injury.