Murton aim to stay in contention (From Durham Times)

Murton aim to stay in contention

12:00am Saturday 4th August 2012 in Sport By Chris West

Just five games ago Murton enjoyed a 31-point lead over Dawdon, but with the teams preparing for the final six-games the advantage has been slashed to a point.

Dawdon are the favourites to take the last Coast League crown, although Murton won't be shrinking from the challenge as their professional John Sample articulates: "Everything is set for a fantastic finale to the season. We've been top all season and in the past few weeks have seen our lead whittled away. Dawdon have put in a startling run of results, but we remain positive that we can be up there challenging for those last six games.

'But the club enjoyed a great season following last year's disappointments. It's the last year in the Coast League's history so it would be a great honour to be the last named champions.''

Murton are at home to Seaham Park today and had been hopeful of including a new signing, before a paperwork mix-up. The leaders have skipper Davey Hanson away, and Graeme Robson and Keith Chapman unavailable.

Dawdon put out a full side when they entertain a Ryhope team missing Connor Pearson and James Summerside. Paul Howe and Tom Lemon return for the visitors.

Easington are still in with a shout, but two defeats in their last three games have turned them into outsiders. They take an unchanged team to Seaham Harbour where their hosts are still missing Jack Lacey and Andy Boal, with Jeff Laws also absent. Promising youngster Nathan Corkhill is in.

Unchanged Boldon CA entertain a Bill Quay side that has Will Gardner, Neil Cuskeran and Chris Malley back in harness, while Peterlee take on Washington who hand a debut to new signing Dan Woolston (Sunderland) but have injury concerns over Jak Gaff, Ian Elliott and Nick Thompson.