Wearside League

May 3 2008 The Journal

JARROW aim to extend their recent rich vein of form and pip Whitehaven for the runners-up position.

The South Tynesiders moved into third place – their highest rating at any stage of the season – when they won for the second time in three days on Wednesday night. They go into this afternoon’s match at Windscale just three points adrift of Whitehaven with two games in hand.

“This is our best season in years and all of a sudden we are in with a very good chance of finishing second,” said manager David Bell.

Danny McGinley and Paul Scott both miss out, but Richard Stubbs returns at Windscale who have slumped to second from bottom.

Coxhoe will attempt to complete the double over Whitehaven whom they defeated 3-2 earlier in the season and their chances are boosted with the return of six players. Gareth McMahon, Chris Coatsworth, Danny Chapman, James Raper, Daniel O’Neill and Michael Ward all come into contention.

New Marske, crowned champions earlier in the week, host Hartlepool and could well field a weakened side with one eye on Monday’s Monkwearmouth Charity Cup final against Annfield Plain. Pool name Brian Ross and Steve Chapman.

East Durham United cannot call on Barry Turton or Paul Coxon against Teesside Athletic at Murton, while Ryhope CW, who mathematically are still in with a shout of ending second, host Cleator Moor Celtic minus Robert Dixon, John Toomey, Kevin Burns and Jordan Crake.

Annfield Plain have home advantage over Wolviston in the semi-final of the Wearside League Cup. They could have up to five players back but Wolviston have Craig Winters and Liam McPhillips sidelined. In addition, Darren Beattie is doubtful.