PROMOTION DECIDED? MAYBE

For the second weekend, Blyth Town can clinch the Division Two title.  Thwarted by the weather last weekend, they have another chance to be crowned champions tomorrow.

They’re champions and promoted if they beat Newcastle Blue Star, as well as if they draw and Bedlington Terriers fail to win their match against Jarrow.  But then again, the weather may intervene (yet again) and we’ll be back to where we started the weekend.

Apart from Blue Star and Terriers, there are still plenty of teams in the four-team play-off mix.  In that chasing pack, Easington Colliery have a couple of games in hand over the teams below them.  They’re at home tonight against Redcar Town (with Billingham Town v Boldon CA the other fixture tonight).  Unbeaten in five, Billingham Synthonia travel to Chester-le-Street United who have won three out of their last four.  Horden CW entertain Sunderland West End.  Three other teams are on the edge of the play-off picture:  Thornaby, Yarm & Eaglescliffe and Chester-le-Street Town.  Thornaby and the Cestrians meet at Teesdale Park while Yarm are at Esh Winning.

At the other end of the table, Brandon United are at Prudhoe YC Senior while Washington are at Ryton & Crawcrook.  The division’s fixtures are completed by FC Hartlepool v Newcastle University.

Meanwhile, in Division One, new leaders Shildon are at Guisborough Town fresh from their win over Bishops on Monday, while the Priorymen are trying to keep within touching distance of the play-offs.  Second-placed Bishop Auckland will be looking to bounce back from that defeat to Shildon when they travel to Tow Law Town.  With four wins and a draw in their last five, Birtley Town are up to third on goal difference.  They entertain Seaham Red Star.  West Auckland are also on 66 points but have played a couple of games more.   They’re in action tonight when they travel to the Sunderland Ford Hub to take on Whickham as they Tynesiders become the latest club to use the Hub to beat the weather.

Currently taking up the fourth play-off spot, Heaton Stannington are at Crook Town.  Like Birtley, The Stan have recorded four wins and a draw in their last five.  Along with Guisborough, there are a couple of other teams close to the play-off places.  Carlisle City host Northallerton Town, Whitley Bay are at home to Redcar Athletic and Boro Rangers travel to Newcastle Benfield.

Elsewhere, North Shields travel to Sunderland RCA and Penrith are at home against west Allotment Celtic.

Unfortunately, the forecast for the weekend isn’t great, so please check with websites and social media to see if games are on.