Skilltrainingltd Northern League

Nov 28 2009 The Journal

MANAGER Paul Baker is anxious that Newcastle Benfield put behind them a four-game losing sequence starting at West Auckland Town this afternoon.

He said: “We’ve endured a difficult time but I feel it’s a transitional period. Coach Paddy Atkinson has left but we’ve got to move forward and be positive. We’ve slipped down the table but on paper have a good chance to regain winning form at West Auckland who have managed just one win in 18 attempts.”

Baker, who in the last year has worked for Norwich City and Huddersfield Town, misses Mark Atkinson and Phil Lumsden is doubtful but he still has a strong squad to choose from.

Whitley Bay aim to keep the pressure on leaders Spennymoor Town when they line up against Penrith at Hillheads. Following three consecutive defeats, Ian Chandler’s side has won the last three games scoring 12 goals in the process. “We had a sticky patch but I feel we are now back on course. Unfortunately, I can not call upon Chris Fawcett, Adam Johnston or 17-year-old Callum Anderson who has been absolutely outstanding all season,” said Chandler.

Third top Ashington host Norton and Stockton Ancients and manager Gary Middleton, who took over during the summer, is delighted with his team’s progress. “Chairman Ian Lavery is ambitious and we have made good strides but we’ve got to maintain the momentum,” declared Middleton, who awaits news on the availability of Lee Hamilton, Paul Dunn and Gareth Bainbridge.

Consett have transferred Steve Johnson to Shildon and boss Kenny Lindoe will give injury victim Mattie Moffat every chance of playing at Chester-le-Street. Carl Piecha, John-Jo Dickman and Chris Scott definitely return to the squad.

Following their midweek victory at Whickham in the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup, Chester-le-Street have Rob Draper and Nick Kane in their line-up. Tow Law Town’s form has taken off following the recent appointment of Dave Hagan as manager but he goes into today’s game at the Ironworks Road ground with Shildon minus Gavin Mudd, Craig Bishop, Scott Martindale and Mark Salmon.

In Division Two, North Shields could go second-top if they win at Newton Aycliffe but manager Anthony Woodhouse is wary.

He said: “They defeated us in the league earlier in the season and also ended our interest in the Ernest Armstrong memorial Cup.

“Since then, we have put together a 12-match unbeaten sequence and who knows, it might be third time lucky today.”

Woodhouse is pleased to have Mark Minto, Robbie Livermore and Brian Smith in contention and he is still working to strengthen his squad for a promotion push.

At the other end of the table Birtley Town have managed just two wins in 16 attempts and at Thornaby, manager Scott Oliver will hand a debut to striker Paul Gordon whose previous clubs include Prudhoe Town and Ryton.

Owen Peterson returns after a month on the sidelines and goalkeeper Johnny Hands is also named but Nick Evans is suspended.

Sunderland RCA boast a six-point lead at the top of the table ahead of their visit to Northallerton Town where Scott Richards could play a part.

He has managed 30 minutes in each of the last two games building up to match fitness following a lengthy lay-off. Manager Neil Hixon’s only doubt is Michael Coghlan who picked up an injury last weekend.

Hebburn Town, third from the basement, go to Seaham Red Star who are seventh from bottom. The outcome will be crucial to both teams.

Red Star boss Andy Toman names Anthony Hume, Stephen Winspear, Lee Armes and Michael Pattison but Jordan Hugill is still out.