League leaders Boldon CA go back to basics after surprise defeat

The Wearside League leaders fell to a surprise defeat at Farringdon Detached last weekend – but bounced back with an impressive 6-2 home win against Annfield Plain in midweek.

Levi Collins continued his unstoppable form as he grabbed four of his side’s goals to take his tally to 31 in just 12 games so far this season.

The result also helped Boldon move nine points clear at the top of the table ahead of Saturday’s visit to mid-table side Norton and Stockton Ancients.

Crumbie called for his side to be “on it” as they look to give their promotion bid a further boost by securing a twelfth win in 13 games so far this season.

He told The Gazette: “After a good attacking display against a young Annfield Plain team on Wednesday night, we are looking forward to testing ourselves against another youthful looking side in Norton and Stockton.

“We go there knowing that we need to be on it.

“We spoke about it after last weekend’s defeat at Farringdon, we all agreed to go back to basics and focus on working hard.

“It will be the same again on Saturday.”

Crumbie has received mixed news on the injury front as Gavin Strong and Dan Gray return to contention.

Tom West and Tom Williams will face late fitness tests, but Sam Attewell (suspended), Adam Hutchinson (shin), Adam Bell and Chris Foster (work commitments) are all unavailable.

Meanwhile, Horden CW assistant manager Lee Bogan has warned the Wearside League that his side are yet to hit top form this season.

They will look to make it three wins on the spin when they entertain Darlington RA on Saturday.

Horden head into the game looking to make up a nine-point deficit on leaders Boldon CA, although they do hold two games in hand over David Crumbie’s side.

He said: “The break hurt us, there’s no doubts about that.

“But it’s two wins back-to-back now, and we are confident that we can keep improving.”

Horden duo Ewan Simpson and Robbie Renwick have been ruled out this weekend.