Colliery Welfare’s run of away games continues with a trip to Hebburn Sports and Social Ground on Saturday.
Ryhope are looking to put a run of four straight away defeats behind them, but face a tough test away at unbeaten Hebburn.
The performances in the last two games against Bishop Auckland and Whitley Bay haven’t been bad, Welfare creating plenty of chances in both games.
But the club now have a bigger issue of an extensive injury list which includes Carl Jones, Chris Trewick, Davey Gordon and Elliott Woods. Micky Rae came off early against Whitley Bay and may be another addition to this list.
Ben Riding is also unavailable. To deal with this issue, Ryhope recruited Shaun Pickford, Craig Ellison and Stephen Francis to cover.
The two sides met last year in the Northern League Cup, Colliery Welfare running away 2-0 winners both goals coming from Joey Melvin.
However, Scott Oliver’s side strengthened a lot over the summer follwing promotion from Northern League Division Two after finishing 2nd.
They have had a great start to life in Division One and currently sit 5th on 11 points after five games, winning three and drawing two.
A tough test is expected, but hopefully if Ryhope can show the same ability in creating chances, and take advantage of more then we can get something out of it.
With Sunderland away in Wimbledon and Newcastle playing on the Sunday, it would be great to see as many there as possible.
Northern League Division One
Venue: Hebburn Sports and Social Ground, Hebburn, NE31 1UN
Kick-Off: 3:00PM
Date: Saturday, August 25