Hebburn Town boss Scott Oliver hails his squad's attitude

Hebburn have shown some good form in recent weeks after the enforced winter break, producing a stirring comeback to draw with promotion-chasing Team Northumbria, beating high-flying Chester-le-Street and then disposing of Birtley Town.

The 3-0 success over the latter on Wednesday night came at a cost, however, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Tow Law.

But Oliver hopes the strength of his squad will help see them continue their fine form.

He said: “The lads have really knuckled down – they are determined to finish the season strongly.

“The win over Birtley was very one-sided. The pitch made it difficult as it was very bobbly and not easy to pass the ball like we can, but we comfortably won.

“Channon North may be rested tomorrow as his groin is hampering him.

“James Talbot came off with a tight hamstring and he won’t be risked.”

In addition to those two attackers, Oliver will also be without defender Ross Toward, who will miss the next two weeks as he is working awya from home.

Oliver added: “Ross has been outstanding, playing centre-half in the last three games.

“Chris Smith will replace him in defence tomorrow.

“The pleasing thing is that lately, we are no longer relying on Channon for goals, as Lee McMahon and Marc Costello are chipping in, along with Talbot.

“Tow Law, like many teams that struggled last season, have found new sponsors and that has shown with an upturn in their results so we will need to battle and scrap like we did against Chester-le-Street.”

Hebburn head into the game in 14th spot in the Division Two table, three points behind 12th-placed Tow Law but with a better goal difference, meaning they will leapfrog them in the standings with victory.