Sunderland West End boss delivers verdict on what to expect at Brandon United

Sunderland West End boss Darren Liddle (right).

The Welfare Ground outfit have endured a torrid season after winning just two of their 23 league games so far this season.

But there have been signs of an improvement in recent weeks as a raft of new signings have helped Brandon to a home win against Durham City and draws against Washington and Willington.

West End claimed a point from the reverse fixture between the two sides in a 2-2 draw at Nissan Sports Complex in September – but Liddle insisted that he can’t pay too much attention to the Brandon side his players faced in that game.

“I think they are fighting for their lives and trying to get away from the bottom of the table,” explained Liddle.

“They’ll be targeting us as much as they’ll be targeting us because we are both trying to improve.

“We should have beaten them earlier in the season, but we can’t judge on that game.”

Bottom of the table Durham City will be without Harry Wood, Peter Bryson and Callum Reay for their visit to Bedlington Terriers.

However, the Citizens are hoping that new Director of Football John Woolnough will be able to complete two new signings ahead of the trip to Northumberland.

Chester-le-Street Town will hand fitness tests to Alfie Pearn and Danny Hepplewhite ahead of their trip to in-form Billingham Synthonia and Washington will look for back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they entertain Heaton Stannington.

First meets third at Druid Park as table-topping West Allotment Celtic host Crook Town and second placed Redcar Athletic are without striker Kallum Hannah for their home game against Esh Winning.

A suspension has ruled Kyle Wren out of Willington’s home fixture against Newcastle University and Scott McArdle will sit out Birtley Town’s game against Ryton and Crawcrook as he serves a three-match ban.

There is one Friday night fixture as Jarrow look to build on last weekend’s win at Ryton and Crawcrook by claiming another three points from their home game against Easington Colliery.