Skilltrainingltd Northern League

Nov 7 2009 The Journal

KENNY Lindoe, who guided Brandon United to the championship in 2003, can’t put his finger on why Consett have been so inconsistent – but believes the absence of key men has played a part.

He said: “In some games we have been brilliant but in others we have been awful. Last week we looked like a team and maybe it was because I had Mattie Moffatt back spearheading the attack with Stephen Johnson. Mattie had been out with a broken ankle, and when the pair are together I consider them to be a handful for any defence.”

Lindoe names both players for the visit of Morpeth Town to Belle Vue Park and is also hopeful Jonjo Dickman will recover from a hamstring injury.

He added: “Unfortunately, former Durham City player David Duke and David Gordon are out but I have the nucleus of my squad available.”

Leaders Spennymoor Town host Billingham Synthonia, who have won five games on the bounce including the midweek victory over Billingham Town – their first in nine attempts against their neighbours.

Synners go into the game minus Andy Harbron, Mark Casey and Leon Carling, but Michael Jameson joins his brother Nathan in the squad.

Whitley Bay are second before a potentially difficult match with South Shields at Filtrona Park.

Manager Ian Chandler has had to contend with a number of injuries and will hope to field a stronger side while his opposite number Gary Steadman, who has done much to rejuvenate the Mariners, cannot call upon Tony Coe, David Graham or Duncan O’Brien.

Ashington are another vastly-improved side under the direction of Gary Middleton, who was appointed manager at the end of last season. The Colliers are third and a close contest is anticipated at West Allotment Celtic, whose manager Paul Bennett anticipates Craig Scott, Ian Dunn and Darren Reay returning.

Chester-le-Street have released Jimmy Farrell and any club interested in his signature should contact manager Stuart Sherwood on 07950 629 972.

The Cestrians, buoyant after a midweek victory over Dunston UTS in the Durham Challenge Cup, aim to improve their lowly position at the expense of Billingham Town, where Sherwood’s only doubt is Robert Palmer.

Bedlington Terriers’ joint boss Tony Lowery rates the chances of Steve Bowey or Richard Flynn playing at home to Esh Winning as 50-50.

The pair have been out for several weeks and Lowery is in no doubt they have been sorely missed.

He said: “Which team would not want Steve and Richard in their side? I will be over the moon if they can play.”

Horden CW’s recently-appointed manager Craig Veart has signed Carl Richards on a month-long loan from Spennymoor Town, and he goes straight into the squad at Shildon together with Jamie Arthur. Jack Pounder, Graeme Robinson and Kevin Dixon, though, are still ruled out.

The match of the day in Division Two is between Sunderland RCA and third-top Jarrow Roofing. RCA have seen their lead at the top diminish to three points and chairman Owen Haley rates this clash as ‘massive’ for both clubs. RCA boss Neil Hixon is hopeful of Scott Richards and Paul Taylor playing, while his opposite number Richard McLoughlin has Craig Nelson in contention.

At the other end of the table, Birtley Town are second-bottom, just three points ahead of Darlington RA. Manager Scott Oliver will hand a debut to Craig Whorlton and Finbar Lynch resumes at home to Marske United.

Washington visit Guisborough Town and, although manager David Lee will be present, he will not play after having had an operation on his knee.

MALCOLM PRATT