Preview: Gateshead Thunder v Wokington Town

Chris Parker returns for Gateshead Thunder as coach Richard Pell demands a continued improvement from his squad.

Pell, who will this week attempt to complete a loan deal for Doncaster’s Ashley Williams, is hoping to secure Gateshead’s first win of the Co-operative Championship One season on Sunday.

He said: “We had a relatively good result at Swinton in that we were competitive for most of the match.

“We’re moving forward, and now we need to move forward week on week. It needs to be consistent improvement rather than sporadic.”

Pell, who gave his squad last week off, believes Sunday’s clash will provide another marker for his men.

He said: “Workington gave us a bit of a tonking earlier this year.

“We’re looking to improve on that in the same way that we improved in our second game against Swinton. It’ll be a good measure for where we are.”

Workington Town are boosted by the returns of Elliott Miller and Darren Holt.

Miller has recovered from a shoulder problem while Holt is available after completing his rugby union commitments.

Joint Town coach Gary Charlton said: “We know every game in this league is going to be hard.

“Everybody is looking to win all of their home games and Gateshead are no different.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but if we can put our best team out then we’re looking forward to it.”

Liam Finch is also closing in on a return to first team action.