Wolviston, concerned at their disciplinary record, have suspended and fined two players, writes Malcolm Pratt.

Paul Edwards has been banned for two weeks and Alan Wigglesworth for seven days which means both will miss today's Wearside League Cup second round tie at Birtley Town.

"The pair were left out of the team last Saturday. Paul was recently sent off and Alan has picked up five bookings. We have become increasingly worried at the number of yellow and red cards our players have received and decided to take action," said secretary Keith Simpson.

Daniel Shannon, 16, keeps his place in goal and Wolviston welcome the return of John Patterson and Shaun Braithwaite.

Coxhoe Athletic manager Gary Forrest will be looking to tighten up his defence in the home tie with Harton and Westoe. "We leaked four goals at Wolviston last Saturday and previously the side had never conceded more than two in any match during the three seasons I have been in charge," said Forrest.

Coxhoe still won last Saturday and this afternoon will give late fitness tests to Gavin Barton and Rob Bowman. Philip Best, one of six scorers at Wolviston, is ruled out but Andrew Richardson will play his second game after returning from a five-weeks ban.

Harton and Westoe have this week been concerned for Ian Simpson who was taken to South Tyneside hospital before being transferred to Newcastle General last Saturday night following a clash of heads.

"Fortunately, Ian will not need an operation. It is always worrying when a player sustains a head injury," said manager Ronnie Thompson who cannot include injured pair Kevin Burke and Shaun Simpson at Coxhoe.

Cleadon SC manager Doug Key reckons his side's next two games are vital beginning with this afternoon's visit from Windscale where a full pool of players will be on standby.

Boldon CA host Whitehaven with Lee Seff included and Ryhope CW will be out to rediscover the form which moved them into fourth position when they visit New Marske.

The Wearsiders have conceded ten goals losing their last two matches and today have a doubt surrounding the fitness of Lee Routledge who is being troubled with an ankle injury.

Only one game takes place in the league with Annfield Plain visiting Sport Catterick.