Stockton Town motor into their top of the Wearside League crunch at Ryhope with goals in their boots
Reigning champions Stockton Town motor into tomorrow’s top of the Wearside League crunch at Ryhope with goals in their boots and a 16-man squad.
The game is possibly the biggest of the season for the sides as they head into the final straight.
Both teams have played 32 games and a win would put leaders Stockton six points clear as they look to defend their title, while a draw would maintain their three-point cushion.
A Ryhope victory would put them top however as they have a vastly superior goal difference.
Stockton head into the crucial fixture on the back of a 4-1 Wednesday night win at bottom of the table Hartlepool, who finished the game with nine men.
Kallum Hannah scored a hat-trick which included a penalty in first half added time, before Tom Coulthard scored with a header.
The same side which won so well is available again, and Luke Whittaker is almost recovered from a hamstring injury but may not be risked.
Stockton have an added incentive to do well against their chief rivals as Ryhope won 5-1 at Bishopton Road West in January.
Redcar Athletic are without a fixture tomorrow as they were due to play League Cup final rivals Ashbrooke Belford House, and the Wearside League have agreed to a postponement.
The break gives both teams a bit of additional time to recharge their batteries before Monday’s final at Ashbrooke’s home ground (1.30pm kick-off).
Athletic welcome back central defenders Jamie Lee and James Smuk, who both missed last week’s narrow 1-0 defeat to reigning champions Stockton Town.
The duo’s returns will allow skilful midfielder Michael Woodhouse to revert to his normal playing position after two star cameos at centre-half.
Chris Bivens, James Swann, Lee Blackburn, and Liam Wood are all fit, but Kieran Stares is out.
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