Northern Alliance league action for Ashington

Posted by Richard Fletcher on Nov 14, 08 05:52 PM in Sport

The Premier Division programme is split in half and while eight clubs are chasing league points another eight are involved in the quarter-finals of the Bosch Power Tools Challenge Cup.

On the league front, Alnwick Town can edge Gillford Park out of pole position to take over the top spot for the first time this term. And the Town have the added incentive of trying to avenge their earlier 3-2 defeat inflicted by today's hosts Ashington Colliers in the reverse fixture.

Shankhouse could also edge their way into a top four slot by claiming an elusive win away to Cramlington Town. Gary Kirkup's side needs a morale-booster after securing only two points from their last three appearances.

Opponents Cramlington have also been out of luck lately with team boss Michael Connor complaining: "We haven't conceded a good goal this season and we have to stop making so many bad defensive errors!"

Three months into the season, defending champions Walker Central have played only eight league games and are languishing in mid-table. But Paul Bennett's outfit has lost only once in the league and victory away to Carlisle City would hoist the Central back into contention.

On the table's bottom rung following a run of four straight defeats, Wark could do with an early change of fortune, starting with tomorrow afternoon's clash with visitors Peterlee Town.

It could happen and the Newtowners, yet to announce a new team boss to replace Paul Callan, have lost three and drawn one of their four most recent games.

In the Challenge Cup, there's a local derby between Gillford Park and Harraby Catholic Club if the game gets the go-ahead after a morning inspection at Gillford. The Park will be trying to overcome last season's cup winners and manager Darren Noctor may make some changes.

Ian Grainger, recently released by Annan Athletic, is in his squad and Czech defender Stanislav Sadovsky is waiting in the wings to make his debut. There are still injury doubts however relating to Darren Addison and club captain Ty Taylor.

Heaton Stannington will aim to complete a league and cup double when Blyth Town drop in at Grounsell Park and Murton are Seaton Delaval's cup opponents at Wheatridge Park. Delaval manager Nicky Gray will be welcoming back Billy Barrass and Graham Pringle but front runner Paul Baird is injured and likely to be out until the turn of the year.

Heddon, who knocked Walker Central out in the previous round of the Challenge Cup, have a chance for quick revenge when they visit Newcastle University. In the league last Saturday the Students became the first team this term to beat Heddon at their Bullocksteads base.

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