MATCH PREVIEW | REDCAR ATHLETIC (A) NPL EAST

Nothing sharpens the focus more, after a disappointing performance and result midweek, than a trip to the North East to face table toppers, Redcar Athletic.

The recent form of this weekends hosts, is nothing short of ridiculous, after only ten games they already have a goal difference of plus thirty and they are scoring at an average of more than 4 goals per game! So, the Boro boys will have to be back to their best to compete against The Steelmen, who on current form, have to be fancied for promotion at the first attempt.

Whilst our unbeaten league record was lost in midweek against Pontefract Collieries, we take an unbeaten away record to the seaside and it will be one we are eager to keep if we are to keep pace with those above us at the top end of the Northern Premier League East table.

Our record after 4 away games is two wins and two draws, with us already having played two games against sides above us (Bradford Park Avenue and Emley). Perhaps, even more impressive is the fact that in those 4 away games we have kept three clean sheets. With our defensive record and Redcar's defeat at home to Emley (another defensively strong side) will give Dan Barrett cause for optimism that we can return home from the coast with at least a point.

As I have already suggested we will need to defend well against The Steelmen and we have this week received positive news from Grimsby Town, in that the loan for impressive young stopper, Seb Auton, has been extended until January. This will give him and his defensive line in front of him the boost that they will need and we can look for some  continuity in the back line over the coming weeks. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends and neighbours at Blundell Park for their help with this deal.

The team news this weekend will be intriguing given the nature of the performance in midweek, the team from Wednesday night will be hoping to keep their shirts to show what they are really capable of, and those in and around the starting XI will hope to be given the nod and the chance to secure a regular starting place. There were also absentees from Wednesday night who could return in the shape of Jack Richardson and Charlie Burden-Whittleton, Dayle Southwell, however, is still serving his suspension, so will continue to be absent for The Wilderness Boys.

This is the first meeting between the two sides and we look forward to our trip to the Hollou Stadium.

We hope that some of you can join us for the trip up the A19 to Teesside in what should be a thrilling encounter, with a lot of stake, even at this early stage of the season.

Form Guide (last 6 games)

Redcar Athletic - WLWWWW

Grimsby Borough - DDWWWL