WITTON Albion's match at Whitley Bay is in jeopardy due to the home team's boiler system breaking down, writes NICK SMITH.

As the Guardian went to press, Bay were trying to get financial help from the UniBond League to put the problem right before Saturday's Division One clash.

League rules don't allow matches to be played without the availability of hot water at grounds.

Any Albion fans planning to make the trip are asked to contact the club on 01606 43008 between 10am and 3pm on Thursday or Friday.

Meanwhile, manager Nigel Gleghorn feels that his table-topping side stand more chance of a win if Whitley Bay play better than their lowly league position suggests.

They are propping up the UniBond League with just one win all season, but Gleghorn is taking nothing for granted after Albion were held at home by Workington on Saturday.

"I feel we play better against the better sides," said the player-manager. "I hope Whitley Bay are up for a good game. They were beaten 6-0 on Saturday, so they will be looking to put things right.

"We won't be shutting up shop to get a point. If it's 0-0 late on we've got to throw caution to the wind and go for a win like we did at Flixton."

The absence of Lee Cox, away celebrating his 21st birthday, is a blow to Witton, who have been virtually unchanged during their rise to the top of the Division One table. Gary Cooley is likely to step into Cox's left side role if Gleghorn keeps the same formation.

Captain Brian Pritchard is once again firmly established in the starting line-up after struggling to regain his place following a suspension.

The man who kept him out, Peter Billing, announced his retirement from the game last week after a career including spells at Everton and Coventry City.

Gleghorn said: "Pritchard has come back and performed with his usual gusto. He's a good man to have around and gives everything.

"I can't fault any of the players at the moment, even though I was disappointed in the result against Workington, but these things happen.

"I was disappointed because when we've played Workington we've been the better side both times and I feel we've lost four points to a side that we should have beaten.

"I wouldn't have a go at the players too much because I gave away their second equalizer. But we need to keep our unbeaten run going so we're up there at the end of the season challenging."

Following the scheduled trip to Whitley Bay, Witton have a home league game against Ashton United on Tuesday (7.30pm).

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