Consett AFC Vs Whickham FC – Match Preview

The Lang Jacks return to action on Friday evening against top of the table Consett at the Belle View Stadium.

The game will see Andy Coyles take charge of his first match as Consett’s interim manager following the surprise departure of Terry Mitchell.

Whickham will be looking to continue their fine form since the appointment of Tony Fawcett. The Lang Jacks have further bolstered their squad this week with the additions of Ryan Bolton and David Below.

The two new signings are in line to make their debuts for Whickham. Both defenders will add further competition to the Whickham backline. Bolton joins from Gateshead FC, while Below has arrived from Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.

Consett are pushing for promotion and currently sit top, seven points clear of second place West Auckland Town having only lost three games all season.

The game will be the clubs third meeting of the season, Consett narrowly coming away with victory on both occasions.

Whickham’s only injury concern is Conor Newton. The box-to-box midfielder will be given a late fitness test prior to the match but otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from.

We’re expecting a game of fine margins with the home team unbeaten in six, while Whickham have won their last four consecutive matches.

Consett have not leaked many goals this season, boasting the second-best defence in the league. However, they have not kept a clean sheet since the back end of October.

Whickham will be watching out for Steelmen striker Dale Pearson, who has notched 13 goals in the league so far this season.

Whickham themselves look far more resilient and well-structured since the appointments of Tony Fawcett, Simon Moody, Chris Bannon and Wayne Buchanon having only conceded two goals in their last four matches.

A win for Consett will further cement their place firmly at the top of the table. While a victory for Whickham would see the black & whites move into eighth position, leaving the Lang Jacks only 3 points off fifth place.

Kick-off is 7.30pm on Friday 3rd December – use postcode DH8 7JP for directions to the Belle View Stadium.