Challenge still on for fringe two
8:30am Saturday 28th June 2008
CROOK Town and Mainsforth face each other today in a game that takes both sides to the half way point in a Readers Durham County League season they are both happy with.
Only three points separate the sides, who have both recorded six wins to date, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that one or the other could still mount a title challenge.
Crook's fixtures secretary Alan Stewart summed up his feelings so far: "Overall we're quite happy - this has been our best season for a while and but for the fact we've dropped some silly points we'd have been clear at the top of the table. In addition, we've being doing well in the cups, having only lost two ties so far."
And for Mainsforth Secretary John Irvine it's a similar story: "We're really pleased with the way it's gone - we only won two games in the whole of last season, yet we've already won three times that many with the same pro and the same team. A good start helped, and since then it's all been about confidence."
Crook have Chris Hurst back in the team after his recovery from a thumb injury, although Irish under 19 international Alan O'Prey is still away. Mainsforth go into the match with an unchanged side.
It will be a minor miracle if new leaders Tudhoe are still on top tonight as they have to watch their rivals play whilst taking their turn to sit games out. The key threat to them is at Shildon, where second-placed Esh Winning come calling today - the prize for the winners of this one is a seat at the top table. The visitors are at full strength for the showdown, whilst Shildon welcome back Chris Peareth.
Kimblesworth dropped to fourth last Sunday when their game at Ushaw Moor was the called off. But they have the chance to make up ground with a home game against Etherley, and expect to have their best lineup in the field.
Willington are still very much in the running for honours and Steven Bradwell returns to their side for the trip to Hylton who are at optimum strength.
Elsewhere, Evenwood entertain Brandon and Langley Park take on Ushaw Moor with not a team change in sight.