Arngrove Northern League
Mar 15 2008 The Journal
MORPETH Town face a difficult task at championship challengers Whitley Bay but are confident of giving the Seasiders a good game after losing just once this year.
“We made a slow start to the season and were near the bottom but we have played really well recently and our aim is to finish in the top four,” enthused Craik Park chairman Mark Hedley.
A feature of Morpeth’s success has been the strike-force of Stephen Young and Kevin Henderson, who between them have scored more than 30 goals.
Victory for Bay is essential if they are to keep the pressure on runaway leaders Durham City, who are 16 points ahead although the Bay have three games in hand.
City boss Lee Collings expects no help from his pal Bobby Scaife when the teams meet at Billingham Synthonia. Collings said: “Bobby had an enviable record over a long period of time with Dunston Federation and I know he’ll have Synners up for the task this afternoon. I’m certainly not expecting any favours.”
A triple boost to Durham City is the news that goalkeeper John Mohan, Tom English and Ian Dixon are all included in a strong squad. Dixon made his first appearance as a substitute last week despite being signed from Spennymoor Town almost three weeks ago. He was injured in his first training session.
Billingham Synthonia, still with an eye for a top-four finish, await news on the availability of Michael Jamieson, Paul Atkinson and Neil Campbell.
West Allotment Celtic have hauled themselves away from the relegation zone with impressive performances in recent weeks but will be wary of second-bottom Northallerton Town who have won their last two matches. Keith Douglas is a doubt for Celtic but Alex Houlsby, out for a month, is in with a chance of returning.
Ashington are third from the basement before their crucial fixture with Chester-le-Street at Chester Moor Park. Boss Andy Gowens could include striker Robbie Cockburn who has been absent since December and it is also possible that Ross Atkinson could play.
The Cestrians, still too near the relegation zone for comfort, have re-signed goalkeeper Ian Aitken who will deputise for Josh Carmichael. He will not play again this season after breaking an ankle. Another absentee from the home side’s line-up is Sam McIntosh but Craig Marron and Steve Jones come into the plans of manager Stuart Sherwood.
Washington are another side fighting against the drop and for their critical game with Consett have goalkeeper Stephen Wilson and Peter Watling available.
In Division Two, leaders South Shields will attempt to win for the first time in an ANL game at Marske United. The Mariners’ chances are boosted with the inclusion of former Sunderland striker Craig Russell for only a second game of the season. Work commitments prevented him from playing until the midweek victory at Whickham. Also named is Chris Feasey but goalkeeper Nathan Wright is a doubt and should he be unable to play, Simon Parkin will deputise.
South Shields are level on points with second-top Penrith who are at Hebburn Town while Ryton are third before their fixture with Esh Winning at Kingsley Park.
It is now six-and-a-half hours since Ryton conceded a goal in open play and their chances of victory are further enhanced with the inclusion of the former Gateshead and Newcastle Blue Star player Ryan Bell.
Whickham slipped back to fourth position following a midweek defeat and they are involved in another difficult challenge and Sunderland RCA, who are also in the top six.
North Shields will attempt to record a fourth consecutive victory at Ralph Gardner Park when they host Darlington RA. Defender Stephen Miller and strikers Liam Mulligan and Craig Pleasant are named.
MALCOLM PRATT
