Smart Move Weekly Round Up v Durham Corinthians

Justin Smart: Another day, another Durham derby. Are the lads up for it in our last home game on a Satuday?

Wayne Gredziak: As I have explained to the players, the way we are going to look at it is we have 8 cup finals and we are going to take each game one at a time, but by the time this is published in Saturday’s program, we will have 7 cup final games left with a Durham derby against Corinthians to look forward to. Yes, we believe that each game is certainly winnable if the right effort, the tactics we have instructed to the players are taken on board and the players believe in themselves which we do, then we know the squad is definitely capable of winning but that is down to the players.

JS: Last time out, we went down to a respectable scoreline. Can we go one step better and maybe get something from the game against a strong, determined Durham Corinthians side?

WG: When we played Corinthians at their place we got beat 3-1 and, to be honest, I was disappointed as we had numerous clear-cut chances to take points from that game but that seems to be the way it goes when you’re at the bottom of the table fighting for points to survive. It seems to be the case that luck is not always on your side but this squad no matter what happens should be proud of themselves as I am so proud with every single one of them. They could have took an easier challenge or quit when it got difficult but whatever happens in our remaining games they all have had a massive part in keeping this amazing historic club alive and playing out the season’s remaining fixtures even when the club theoretically was written off and non-existent.

JS: We've delved into the market once again and brought in more players. Who are they and how can they help us in our run-in? We do have some massively important games still to play.

WG: We have had to bring players in with holidays,injuries and work, as we have games midweek and Saturdays, so we need a squad to ensure we can compete.Still, even if we are missing big players, I still intend on strengthening if I can and more importantly build for next season so this week we have brought in these two players to help with squad depth and add quality:

Dylan Cairns - He is a striker who knows where the net is and has scored many goals for Wear United in a team that struggled in front of goal this term.

Dean White - He is a goalkeeper who has come in to help us as both Liam and Lewis are away on holiday unfortunately. We appreciate Dean stepping in to help the cause.

JS: Will we be fatigued after having played Wolviston just 3 days prior?

WG:  I would say yes normally, but we have a big enough squad now that we can rotate players and we won’t weaken the squad, which is what we wanted to aim for. After today’s game we will welcome back a few lads from injuries and suspensions, so will only strengthen us for our run-in.

JS: As always, what will you say to our fans for our penultimate home game of the season?

WG: I want to thank each and every one of them for sticking with us and yes, the results have sometimes been poor but as you have witnessed the players heads have never gone down and always continued to put the effort in.We have 7 cup finals and we need your support now more than ever. I honestly wouldn’t say this if I didn’t believe it,we play teams that if we put the right effort and do the right things the supporters may see us hopefully pick up a few wins to finish the season on a cheerful note, with a lot to build on going into next season. So keep backing Durham City and as this is Non-League Day, I would love to see a big crowd help your club continue into future seasons and get back up into the Northern League playing in Durham very, very soon.

Will you be at leyburn Grove on Saturday for Non-League Day? it doesn't get any better than this, so come down and cheer on the yellow and Blues. You don't get more passion than a Durham derby in the Wearside League. Morior Invictus!