There is a busy weekend across the Northern League’s second tier.

Joint-manager Chris Spence believes Boldon CA’s Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup tie at Division One side Thornaby has come at the right time for his side.

Boldon slipped into the Division Two relegation zone after suffering consecutive defeats against Darlington Town, Ryton and Crawcrook Albion and Yarm and Eaglescliffe over the last fortnight. However, they will take a break from their battle to avoid relegation when they visit Thornaby in the League Cup with the winners set to host either Birtley Town or Newcastle Benfield in the quarter-final of the competition.

Chris Spence has been named as new Boldon CA manager (photo Jess Kelly) | Jess Kelly

placeholder image — Chris Spence has been named as new Boldon CA manager (photo Jess Kelly) | Jess Kelly

Boldon will have one eye on Monday’s visit to local rivals Jarrow as they look to disrupt Kennie Malia’s side in their push for promotion into the Northern League’s top tier. Spence has stressed his side’s trip to Thornaby will offer an opportunity to build ‘momentum and positivity’ going into Monday’s eagerly anticipated game at Perth Green - despite conceding they face a major challenge on Teesside.

He said: “I think this cup game against Thornaby on Saturday will help to be honest. It will bring some players who aren’t back to full match fitness up to scratch ready for the derby against Jarrow on Easter Monday. Also if the result goes in our favour it’s going to give us some good momentum and positivity going into what will be a big game for the club.”

Jordan Laidler will return to contention after serving a suspension but team-mate Jesse Nelson will still remain on the sidelines as he serves the final game of his own ban.

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