The reserves recommence their fixtures after the Wearside League Christmas break with an away game at Coxhoe Athletic on Saturday.

The lads went into Christmas in seventh place in the table, having played some great football in the games leading up to their fortnight off.

Joint manager Mark Fanning said; “We drew with Cleator Moor, the league leaders, before Christmas, and we want to build on that performance.

“Hopefully, then, we’ll put a good run of results together that will keep us in the top seven.”

Striker Dale Milburn and defender Jack Vaulks, who both played for the reserves before Christmas, are unavailable because they’re out on loan at Sunderland RCA, while Vinnie Steels might be on first team duty.

But nevertheless, Mark said; “We still have some very good players in the squad who have proved that they can play football at this level and above.”