Arngrove Northern League

Mar 29 2008 by Malcolm Pratt, The Journal

WITH Durham City just about assured of the championship, attention today focuses on the bottom of the table since Lee Collings' side are inactive and second-top Whitley Bay are on FA Carlsberg Vase duty.

Jarrow Roofing look doomed and defeat at home to Shildon could confirm their relegation. Seven other sides are battling against the drop with Northallerton Town and Bishop Auckland equal on points, currently sharing the other two relegation positions.

Northallerton face a difficult task at home to Billingham Town who are still chasing third place. A blow for the Teessiders is the news that goalkeeper Darren Collier will not play again this season after injuring his knee.

Bishop Auckland entertain Seaham Red Star who miss Stephen Halliday and Ian Watson.

Beleaguered Washington moved out of the bottom three with a good point on Tuesday and at home to another of the relegation-threatened sides, Bedlington Terriers, are hoping that Dean Critchlow can play. He was taken to hospital when injured during last Saturday's game but is making good progress.

West Auckland Town are too near the bottom for comfort and visit Sunderland Nissan who are aiming to finish in the top six. With goalkeeper Paul Newton suspended, Nissan manager Wilf Constantine may have to turn to goalkeeping coach Paul Pringle.

Chester-le-Street are eight points outside the drop zone before they go to Tow Law Town weakened by the absence of the injured Elliott Milburn and Scott Emmerson, who starts an 11-game ban for two dismissals and 10 bookings this season.

Although West Allotment Celtic are still in the bottom half of the table, a close result is anticipated at third-top Consett. Celtic have improved tremendously since the turn of the year having lost just twice.

Dunston Federation will have to decide by Monday whether to apply for promotion to the UniBond League Division One North but following a heavy midweek defeat, their chances of ending in the top six have receded. They could again find the going difficult at home to Morpeth Town especially as they are minus Michael Dixon and Kane Young.

Eight teams are involved in the battle against relegation and six are fighting it out for the three promotion places in Division Two. Penrith Town lead the field ahead of their difficult game at seventh-top Horden CW who have steadily moved up the table following the appointment of Simon Corbett as manager. He has central defenders Mark Stephenson and Michael Joseph ruled out.

Second-top South Shields need just seven points from their last five games to be certain of returning to the top flight. They have home advantage over Esh Winning and secretary Phil Reay reports that the only absentee is long-term injury victim David Graham.

Ryton are third and after their magnificent mid-week performance will be confident of taking another step towards Division One by beating Norton and Stockton Ancients at Kingsley Park.

Whickham have lost ground recently but are still fourth and very much in contention. They are firm favourites to win at second-bottom Team Northumbria who have managed just three victories in 34 games.

Sunderland RCA were thrashed 5-0 by Ryton on Tuesday and manager Neil Hixon says they need to pick themselves up at North Shields where Wayne Henderson and Paul Wardle resume but Adam McGuinness is out.

Thornaby are the other side in the running and will fancy their chances at Birtley Town who have gained just four points this season. Birtley cannot name the suspended Mark Irwin.