Match Preview - Ryton & Crawcrook Albion (A) - Ebac Northern League Division 2 - Saturday 17th January 2026 - Kick-Off 15:00pm

by Jeff King

There's a really intriguing match-up in the Second Division fixtures at the OldHaulage Stadium, Ryton on Saturday afternoon when 8th from the home side welcome Park View AFC to their abode for another vital League game.

Ryton were one of the teams many were tipping for a big tilt at promotion before a ball was kicked in 2025/26. They had been in the play-off picture the previous season before falling away.

But a reassessment of their squad and some new signings had everyone looking at them as one of the teams to beat. It hasn't quite turned out that way for 'The Albion.' But, they are still there or thereabouts with a lot to still play for.

They currently sit 8th in the table with 45 points from 29 games played. They have won 14 drawn 3 and lost 12 scoring an impressive 56 goals and conceding 37.

Their recent league form has seen them win two draw two and lose two of their last six games but those two wins and one of their draws is their last three record. That also includes a very impressive 5-1 away win at Seaham last Tuesday.

That win against a genuine play-off contender and on the road made a lot sit up and take notice wondering if Ryton are about to show what many believe is their true potential.

Louis Anderson, brother of Notts Forest and England's Elliott, netted a hat-trick in that game taking his league tally to 16 for the season. He is backed up by Louis Calvert who has scored 11 times and Callum Johnston who has 9.

Park View meanwhile tasted their first defeat in eight games in midweek as they went out of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup 3-0 at home against First Division West Auckland Town.

Prior to that they had won seven league games in a row. A run that has taken them to 4th in the table. They have won 16 drawn 5 and lost 5 of their 26 games for 53 points scoring 44 times and conceded 19 the least in the Division.

Stephen Siyanbola continues to lead their scoring charts with 9 goals and Charlie Loveday has 7. Midfielder Ben Gallagher in good form recently as well with 4 in his last two league games.

Back on Saturday 30th August the two sides met at The Riverside and Park View took the honours winning 2-0 with goals from Siyanbola and the now departed Nathan Conroy.

A result like that for the visitors would certainly consolidate their play-off position. However if Ryton were to get revenge and beat another play-off contender for the second time in a week it could really enhance their challenge.

Kick-off at The Oldhaulage Stadium is at 3:00pm.