WEARSIDELEAGUE

Apr 18 2009 The Journal

NEW Marske and Teesside Athletic have both lost in the last week, enabling Newton Aycliffe to open up a two points lead at the top of the table.

Today, it’s top versus bottom when Aycliffe line up against Guisborough Town HC. The hosts need to give fitness tests to David Forrest and Daniel Mitton but expect to field their strongest line-up.

New Marske are second and have now played the same number of games as Newton Aycliffe. The Seasiders will be wary of visiting Boldon CA, who produced the shock result of the season by defeating Teesside Athletic in midweek.

The Teessiders, have lost just once in 27 games, are in third position seven points off the top with a game in hand on Newton Aycliffe.

East Durham United are visitors to Teesside, who have concerns surrounding defenders James Smuk and Ian Mudd and midfielders Lance Skelton and Andrew Bell. Roy Hunter, though, should make the squad.

Easington Colliery are probably out of the race for the title and they will aim to consolidate fourth position at Willington, where Andy Colledge, Marc Herron, Ross Paxton and Tom Orchard are all missing.

In contrast, Coxhoe Athletic are much stronger for the visit from Hartlepool. Gareth McMahon, Lewis Henry, Dale Elgie, Gavin Luke, Dave Raine, Alex Kell and Aaron Davidson are all back.

Pools have Chris Archer, Johnny Bolton, Keith Hutchinson and Rob Ferguson coming into contention.

Ryhope CW and manager Chris Lindstedt have agreed to part company by mutual consent at the end of the season. When Lindstedt took over the Wearsiders were in the bottom six but are now in the top six for the third successive season.

They make the long journey to Cleator Moor Celtic, where they will be without goalkeeper Chris Errington, but Michael Burlinson and Kevin Burns are named.

For their game at Kirbymoorside, Jarrow include Richard Stubbs, Daryl Turnbull and Mark Rumbles but Chris Lund is sidelined.

MALCOLM PRATT