Ebac Northern League Division Two: Play-Off Preview

With the curtain closing on the 42-match league season last weekend, attention now turns to the promotion race in the second division.  

Next Monday, third place Jarrow welcome fourth place Chester-le-Street United to Perth Green CA.  

On the other side of the draw, Tuesday night sees league runners-up Yarm & Eaglescliffe take on Thornaby, who occupy the final play-off spot, at Bedford Terrace. 

Jarrow vs Chester-le-Street United 

The home side come into this one in positive form, with two consecutive wins against Ryton & Crawcrook Albion and Billingham Town respectively, scoring six and conceding just one in this period.  

This meant Jarrow finished with a very healthy points tally of 93, just three points behind table toppers Horden CW.  

Compared to the 23/24 campaign, The Blue and Whites have significantly bettered their points tally of 62 and league position of 12th. 

As for the travelling Chester-le-Street United, they finished their 24/25 campaign in red hot form. 

 A 2-0 away victory against Redcar Town on the final day made it six wins in seven to round out the season and ensure a finish in fourth position. During this run, United were lethal in front of goal, netting 22 and conceding only three.  

Like Jarrow’s impressive progression this season, The Gold and Blacks have risen a remarkable 15 league positions compared to the 23/24 campaign.  

Head to Head 

Recent history favours Jarrow, as the side took all the spoils against Chester-le-Street in a five-goal thriller at the Ford Hub in February. That said, United got the better of their play-off opposition in the reverse fixture early in the season. A sole Stephen Siyanbola goal was enough to earn a 1-0 win on the road.  

Final Thoughts 

Whilst Jarrow come into the tie as favourites, finishing 15 points above Chester-le-Street United despite only one league position separating them, United’s form at the back end of the season means this match remains firmly in the balance. 

 

Yarm & Eaglescliffe vs Thornaby 

With a final point finish of 95, Yarm were very unlucky to not go up automatically. A 1-0 loss against Darlington Town two weeks ago took the title away from Y&E in pretty agonising fashion.  

However, since then, the side have scored nine in their last three, conceding none and booking a spot in the Second Division Cup Final. 

On top of this, just one loss in the last 17 in the league puts the home team in a very strong position going into the play-offs.  

A common theme amongst the play-off clubs this season, Yarm too have had a much more successful league campaign this time round, finishing six league positions higher in 24/25. 

On the other hand, Thornaby ended with a frustrating loss away to Boldon CA. Before this match however, The Blues were unbeaten in five and have enjoyed crucial victories against the likes of Jarrow and Chester-le-Street United in recent months.  

Their fifth-placed league position meant Thornaby improved considerably from a bottom half finish in the 23/24 season. 

Head to Head 

Despite the teams being 20 points apart, there has been nothing to separate Yarm and Thornaby against each other this season. Both fixtures ended in a draw, including a 0-0 draw at Teesdale Park and a 1-1 at Bedford Terrace. 

Final Thoughts 

Though The Blues have shown their ability to produce brilliant results throughout the 24/25 campaign, we think Y&E’s exceptional league form this term places them as strong favourites to reach the play-off final.