After a few away days' break, Washy are back at the Nissan this afternoon to take on Northern Alliance side Gateshead Rutherford as they begin their campaign for the Durham Trophy.

The Opposition

Rutherford play in the Northern Alliance Premier League, a Tyneside-based alternative to the top tier of step 7 that Washy compete in.

They've had a modestly successful season in that league so far, winning 6 games, drawing 1 and losing the other 4 - residing exactly mid-table as a result.

Their goals for and against reflect their league position quite accurately as well, conceding 22 and shipping 27 as of this point in their league campaign, which is fairly average for a team in this season's Northern Alliance.

Team News

Manager Cam Thompson is without 12 senior players this afternoon, but has used the opportunity resourcefully to bring through some of the lads from the U18s, to earn some vital experience in the mens' first team and hopefully follow in the footsteps of our other success stories from the youth setup.

Ethan Johnson, Brandon Wilson and Alfie Henderson of the U18s are expected to be named on the bench this afternoon.

Around the Grounds

The other Wearside League members are in action across a few different competitions this afternoon. Here they are:

The Alan Hood Charity Cup - 1st Round

Windscale v Silksworth CW

Durham Trophy

FC Hartlepool v Coxhoe Athletic
Gateshead Leam Rangers v Shotton Colliery
Norton and Stockton Ancients v Chester-le-Street United
Wolviston v Darlington RA
Darlington Town v Farringdon Detached

Wearside League

Durham Corinthians v Richmond Town
West Auckland Tunns v Annfield Plain

Matchday Info

We're back at the Nissan Sports Club this afternoon (SR5 3NS). Kick-off is a slightly earlier 1.30pm and admission prices are the same as usual: £3 for adults and a £1 concession. You can pay by cash or contactless if you prefer.

Get yourself down there this afternoon and get behind the lads. Up the Washy!