Forward duo is looking to strike it lucky
TWO of the Northern League’s most in-form strikers will go face to face when leaders Hebburn Town visit third-placed Consett tomorrow.
Hornets’ veteran Graeme Armstrong leads the Division One goalscoring charts after plundering his way to 19 goals so far this season.
Consett will have their own hot-shot on display at Belle Vue as Dale Pearson has hit 16 goals in as many games since joining the Steelmen from Blyth Spartans in August.
Hebburn manager Kevin Bolam is looking forward to seeing the duo face each other and believes the game could be decided by which striker can have the biggest impact on the game.
He said: “I thought there would be goals last time we played Consett but we cancelled each other out and it was a drab affair.
“Graeme has had a fantastic start to the season for us and Dale Pearson has been in unbelievable form for Consett.
“There are goals behind them too and lots of creativity to help them score those goals.
“Will it be another shut-out? I don’t think so.”
The Hornets sit 13 points clear of second-placed Stockton Town – who will entertain bottom club Seaham Red Star at the Coverall Stadium.
FC Halifax Town winger Josh MacDonald will play the final game of his loan spell at Whitley Bay as Nathan Haslam’s side targets a fifth consecutive victory when it visits West Auckland Town.
Ashington are without suspended duo Curtis Coppen and David Luke for their home game against out-of-form Whickham.
On-loan Sunderland winger Ryan Leonard will be available for Sunderland RCA’s home game against Penrith after missing the midweek Durham Challenge Cup win against Dunston UTS.
West Allotment Celtic are without in-form midfielder Shane Jones as they look to close the gap on Division Two leaders Redcar Athletic.
Jay Bates’ side entertain Tow Law Town – but they will be missing top goalscorer Jones as he serves a three-match suspension for the red card he received in last weekend’s win at Birtley Town.
The leaders have been boosted by the return of Michael Woodhouse ahead of their visit to struggling Washington.