Northern League: Jarrow and Boldon CA ready for Bank Holiday Monday derby clash

Kennie Malia has hailed the ‘togetherness’ within his Jarrow squad as they look to claim a derby double over Boldon CA and push their local rivals further towards relegation on Monday (11am kick-off).

Malia’s men have already secured a play-off spot in the Northern League’s second tier and will hope to go one step better than last season’s play-off final defeat against Thornaby. However, Malia’s focus is firmly on Monday’s meeting with Boldon and he left no doubt over what the fixture means to him and everyone involved at Jarrow.

He told The Gazette: “For me this is the biggest derby in the league and we can't wait for it. We would love to do the double over them after the win at their place. The togetherness in the group is really strong at the minute and it has taken us a long way so far this season. We know the derby means a lot to the club and the fans and we really want the win as much as them.”

Boldon’s preparations were far from ideal as they suffered a 7-1 hammering in a Brooks Mileson League Cup tie at Division One side Thornaby on Saturday. Joint-manager Chris Spence moved on quickly from that disappointment and called on his squad to be ‘ready to go and fight’ in their visit to Perth Green.

He said: “The emotions are high and intense but in the best possible way. It’s not just another match, it’s with filled pride, passion and fight from us. Most importantly, we are ready for the battle. We are going in knowing it’ll be tough game against a team in good form - but we are more than ready to go and fight for a huge three points. We know how important every game is now for us and what would be better than a derby win and a vital three points.”

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