Northern League: Jarrow set for big week in promotion race
There is a busy weekend lying in wait in both divisions of the Ebac Northern League.
Kennie Malia has insisted Jarrow will continue pushing for the Northern League Division Two title during the remaining weeks of the season.
The Perth Green outfit are well placed to secure at least a play-off spot for the second consecutive season - but they are currently five points behind leaders Redcar Town, who also have the benefit of holding two games in hand. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit to fellow top five contenders Seaham Red Star, Malia believes his side will know more about their prospects once they have faced a challenging trio of fixtures over the next week.
He told The Gazette: “Our next three games are very important for our play-off hopes because we play three teams in the top eight. They all could make the play-offs come the end of season so we need to be at our very best and show that we want it more. Do I think the title is a realistic aim? Probably not but until it's mathematically impossible we will keep chasing the teams above us. I would love to see a full and packed bus of Jarrow fans cheering us on this Saturday because their support has been incredible throughout the season and now it’s about the final push.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Boldon CA will hope to secure a second home win against Billingham Town in a matter of days as the two sides meet in a league clash at The Villa. Boldon progressed into the third round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup with a 2-0 win against Town on Tuesday night and another win would ease some of the growing concerns over a possible relegation.
Northern League fixtures
Division One
Friday: Birtley Town v West Auckland Town Saturday: Carlisle City v Marske United, Crook Town v Horden CW, Guisborough Town v Newcastle Blue Star, Newcastle Benfield v Shildon, North Shields v Kendal Town, Penrith v Northallerton Town, Thornaby v Easington Colliery, Whickham v Boro Rangers, Whitley Bay v West Allotment Celtic
Division Two
Friday: Sunderland RCA v Durham United Saturday: Billingham Synthonia v Park View AFC, Boldon CA v Billingham Town, Esh Winning v Darlington Town, FC Hartlepool v Tow Law Town, Newcastle University v Alnwick Town, Redcar Town v Chester-le-Street Town, Seaham Red Star v Jarrow, Sunderland West End v Grangetown Boys Club, Yarm & Eaglescliffe v Prudhoe YC Seniors
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