Guisborough boss hoping for some derby drama and a better result against Synners after two flat matches
Billingham Synthonia's Nathan Porritt plays the ball forward during his side's FA Vase clash
Guisborough manager Chris Hardy is hoping for some derby drama and a better result when his side visit Billingham Synthonia for the second time this season.
The Priorymen were poor at best in a 1-0 FA Vase defeat at Central Avenue in October, and had to work hard to come from behind and beat Synners 2-1 at home in a midweek Northern League clash in December.
“They were two very flat games, truth be told,” Hardy said.
“We didn’t perform there in the Vase and weren’t at our best at home either, but we popped up and scored goals at the right time.
“Neither game had a great tempo, but I’m hoping it will be a bit different on Saturday.”
Guisborough are coming off a 2-1 defeat at Durham City which Hardy said could easily have been a victory.
“Danny Johnson had a one-on-one late in the game and you would have put your mortgage on him scoring,” Hardy said.
“He hit the keeper in the chest, they broke and scored a penalty and it was game over.
“Those are the small margins. We could have won 3-1 no problems at all.”
Synners are boosted by the return of winger Kris Hughes from injury.
New Billingham Town manager Darren Trotter is hoping to see his side play competitive football for the first time at home to Crook.
Town had to postpone Wednesday night’s friendly against Norton, but the Bedford Terrace pitch has been rolled twice since and is in good shape.
Trotter has signed third choice Darlington keeper Joe Williamson on loan and “six or seven” experienced Northern League players like Stephen Jackson and Lee Armes.
“We’ve had two good training sessions and we’ll see how we get on tomorrow,” Trotter said.
Trotter’s former side Marske are at Ashington.
They will either be rusty or refreshed after two postponements but have attacking players Bryan Stewart and Jordan Marshall back in the fold.
Norton striker Gary Mitchell has been advised to relax by his boss Andy Campbell as he tries to grab his 150th Northern League goal.
Mitchell missed a golden chance to get his milestone strike in last Saturday’s 5-3 second division win at Tow Law, hitting the bar late on when it looked easier to score.
Norton are at Alnwick tomorrow and Campbell said: “I heard Gary was on 149 goals before the match, and it got mentioned at half time.
“He has just got to relax and play his normal game, and the goal will come. It doesn’t have to be a worldy. Even if it hits him on the backside and goes in, they all count.”
Thornaby travel to South Shields after doing everything but score in a 1-0 Ernest Armstrong Cup loss at Heaton Stannington on Tuesday.
The match was the visitors’ first in a fortnight but they carved out a hatful of chances in horrendous conditions.
Stephen Morrison and Callum Wilson went closest for the visitors, before Heaton’s Phil Smith hit a 93rd minute winner.
“I thought we were by far the better side,” said Thornaby manager Neil Radigan. “With that bit of luck in both boxes, we will only get better.”
Stokesley held second-placed West Allotment to a 2-2 draw in their last home game so will look to raise their level again at Broughton Road versus Seaham Red Star, who are third.
Defender Tony Lannon is available and Lloyd Evans should be back from illness.
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