Spennymoor United are on the up. Since Tony Lee swopped Bishop Auckland for the Brewery Field at the turn of the year, the club has never looked back.
Lee, who led Moors to the team of the month awards for both January and February, has lost twice in 24 outings since taking control against Matlock on Boxing Day.
Now Spennymoor are in the UniBond League play-offs, with the prospect of promotion back to the Premier Division to look forward to on Monday.
"The whole community has come back to the club,'' said Lee. "Our support has been on the up all season and I have had a tremendous response since taking over.
"Remember that 12 months ago the club was bankrupt and now we are flying.
"It is a tremendous achievement for the club to reach the play-offs. We don't know who we are playing yet, it depends on results from Saturday.''
Lee has rebuilt the team during the last few months, with several players following his path from Kingsway to the Brewery Field, with Stephen Hutt and Anthony Lee on the move.
Lee has also taken Jim Provett on loan from Hartlepool and he puts much of his success down to the goalkeeper.
"He has been one of the main reasons why we have done so well,'' he said. "I am sure he has a great future. I know he will go back to Hartlepool a much better goalkeeper and a much better person.
"He has great reflexes and now he needs to build himself up to become a bit more physical.''
* Stanley United, who were bottom of the Wearside League table for several weeks, need one point from their final game of the season against Annfield Plain at Hill Top today to avoid the wooden spoon.
Last Saturday's shock victory over Redcar Town lifted them off the basement and today they are strengthened by the availability of Neil Madge and Shaun Gregory. But Stephen Moore is suspended. Gary Harland is expected to return to the Annfield Plain side.
Ferryhill Athletic need three points from their fixture at Boldon CA if they are to have any chance of finishing above the basement.
Kevin Lloyd and Andrew Whalley are injured and Kevin Tron is doubtful, but Stewart Pattison and Russell Bell should return.
Birtley Town, who play in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup final at Jarrow on Monday morning, are expected to rest several players for the visit of Wolviston.
Following their disappointing performance in midweek, Wolviston manager Graham Howard is expected to make changes.
Playmaker Ian Perry is recovering from whiplash and club stalwart Shane Hudson has family commitments, while defender Craig Watson and midfielder Simon Colligan are injured. Striker John Symon and midfielder Paul Roberts are fit.
Jarrow have injury doubts surrounding four players for their home game with New Marske. Michael Gibson, Peter Kirkham, Paul Tirrell and Paul Donaghy will all undergo late fitness tests and there is also concern about the availability of Michael Bean. Andy Reilly resumes and manager Paul Thu will probably need to play at left back.
New Marske secretary Peter Livingstone expects that a full-strength squad will be available and the only doubt is Stephen Hodgson.
Stokesley SC host Windscale and Neil Southall, who missed Wednesday's match, could again be an absentee. In addition, Lee Escritt is troubled with a knee injury.
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