Silksworth eager to get back into action

Published on Friday 25 January 2013

SILKSWORTH Rangers, bottom of the Wearside League table with just seven points out of a possible 60, are anxious to get back into action as quickly as possible, hopefully starting at Redcar Athletic tomorrow, writes Malcolm Pratt.

Chairman David Steele said: “We’ve only managed two wins and a draw and have by far the worst goals difference so we need to start putting points on the board.

“Having games postponed isn’t helpful and the quicker normal service resumes the better.”

Rangers won’t find it easy at the seaside but their chances are boosted with the return of goalkeeper Adam Don, Adam Curtis and Anthony Gamble.

Pre-season, Redcar Athletic were being tipped as potential champions after finishing runners up to Ryhope CW last season but they currently languish in the bottom half of the table.

Their attempts to play on a 4G surface in Middlesbrough last weekend failed to materialise and they too are desperate to start playing again.

“We’ve only fulfilled 15 fixtures and have another 27 to play so it’s going to be a very hectic end to the season,” observed secretary Kevin Fryett, who reports that the only absentee tomorrow will be Sam Young.

Sunderland West End expect to welcome back Jamie Bond and Ross Kennedy at home to full strength Prudhoe Town while Ashbrooke Belford House meet Peterlee Town unable to name the suspended Mark Egglestone or the injured Lewis Hutchinson. New signing James Baxter could make his debut.

Easington Colliery also have a newcomer in their ranks. Craig Risebury has switched from Hartlepool and is named in a strong pool of players against Jarrow.

The South Tynesiders are delighted that goalkeeper Mark English is back in action following a lengthy lay off. Chris Lunn is expected to make his first appearance since rejoining the club but Brian Johnson, Lea Brand and Daryl Turnbull are on the injured list.

Boldon CA have Keith Davidson suspended and another absentee at Kirkbymoorside is Andrew Hall, who has joined the Navy.

Chris Hamill comes into contention while the Yorkshiremen await news on the availability of Karl Richardson.

In a bid to stem a flood of goals, Harton and Westoe anticipate having two new defenders in their line up for the visit of Willington.

Another plus is that striker Sean Flood, who has missed most of the season working away, is now available.

Willington, the only side to have applied for promotion to the Ebac Northern League, miss the suspended Adam Sakr but Graeme Lazonby has completed his ban.

Hartlepool have signed goalkeeper Graeme Swinburne on loan and they also anticipate Gary Rowbotham being available at home to Wolviston whose manager Mark Summersgill reports that he has no selection concerns.

Leaders Stockton Town are due in Cumbria for their fixture with Cleator Moor Celtic. Andrew Westwood and Craig Lake both miss out and Scott Meehan will require a late fitness check on the knee injury he sustained in the recent game against the Cumbrians.

Coxhoe Athletic now have home advantage over Gateshead Leam Rangers in the preliminary round of the Wearside League Cup, which has twice been postponed.