Pin point rec'ment Northern Alliance

Nov 21 2009 The Journal

AFTER winning only one of their last seven games in a spell that has included early exits from three major cup competitions, Walker Central won’t welcome being without a fixture this weekend.

While they’re lying idle they know that title rivals Wark, Heaton Stannington and Carlisle City could take advantage.

Premier Division leaders Wark are already three points better off than second-placed Walker and could extend their lead by claiming a victory away to Seaton Delaval.

The game also offers Wark an opportunity to put last Saturday’s Challenge Cup defeat by Ponteland behind them.

Delaval, meanwhile, need to cure manager Nick Gray’s headache brought on by five straight defeats which have plunged them into the basement.

Like Wark, Heaton Stannington are stinging from last weekend’s exit from the Challenge Cup when they were beaten at home by Blyth Town.

Derek Thompson will be keen to see his third-placed side recover quickly as they aim to extend a five-match unbeaten run in the league on their visit to Cramlington Town, who have conceded nine goals in their last two outings and won only once at their Sporting Club base.

Carlisle City are level on points with Heaton and both clubs have a useful game in hand with which to sharpen up their title challenge. City were idle last weekend due to waterlogging at Sheepmount and, only beaten once in their last seven league games, they’ll be hoping for the go-ahead for this afternoon’s clash with lowly visitors Newcastle University.