Next up for the Y&E is first round of the Ernest Armstrong Memorial League Cup, with Seaham Red Star making the trip down the A19. The game kicks off at 7.30pm at Bedford Terrace.

We will be looking to defend the trophy after we were victorious back in early May ,beating Horden CW 2-0 in the final. It’ll be a tough game against a very good Red Star side, who currently sit just behind us in 4th place in the league table.

In the league they are W3, D1 L2 in their last 6 games. Last time out they won 3-2 away at Prudhoe YC. The game before that they lost 3-2 away at local rivals Sunderland RCA. Their game against Redcar Town was

postponed at the weekend due to the weather. Overall in the league, they have played 24. W13, D6 and L5 scoring 44 and conceding 22. We drew with them at home earlier in the season, Ste Roberts (75) and Josh Marshall (84) scoring to put us two up, but a late Matthee Weirs double (86 & 90+1) levelled things up for a share of teh points between the sides.

In terms players to watch, Ryan Appleby has scored 12 goals this season including 3 in their last 2 games. Another player to keep an eye on is ex Y&E player Jayden Gray who moved to Red Star from Synners last month.

As for the Y&E, it was another Saturday without a game, with the wet weather postponing the game. This is the third midweek cup game in a row at home, after defeats against Prudhoe and a win on pens vs York City last Wednesday. With a league game against Newbiggin ahead of us on Saturday, Jacko may look at the full squad when selecting the starting XI. Suspensions from last week’s sendings off for Dougs and Jack Dalton and 5th book for Hillers don’t kick in until Wednesday so they are available for selection.

It would be great to see plenty of you there backing the lads as we look to progress to the next round.