From Seaham to Shildon, these are the grassroots games to see
Here we go again...
Another BIG weekend in North East non-league football awaits.
Here are the best games to go to...
AFC Fylde v Gateshead
Date: Saturday 30th October
Competition: Vanarama National League North Venue: Mill Farm
Kick-off Time: 3pm Gateshead will travel to the National League North leaders playing catch-up after fixtures against Curzon Ashton and Brackley Town fell victim to Covid-19 cases in the opposition camps.
However, Mike Williamson’s side will travel to the north west in good heart after making a very promising start to their push for a return to non-league’s top tier.
The form of Macaulay Langstaff, Cedwyn Scott and Adam Campbell will give them hope of claiming a notable win against the ambitious Coasters - but it seems likely a performance built on solid foundations will be needed if they are to become only the second side to beat Jim Bentley’s men this season.
Gateshead have made notable improvements defensively this season and they will be put to the test against a side many have tipped to claim the second-tier title this season.
Player to Watch: Macaulay Langstaff (Gateshead)
Hebburn Town v Warrington Town
Date: Saturday 30th October
Competition: Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Venue: Green Energy Sports Ground
Kick-off Time: 3pm Warrington Town are familiar visitors to South Tyneside after a series of memorable clashes with South Shields over the last three years.
But it is Hebburn Town, not the Mariners, that will provide the opposition for the Yellows when they make the trip to the North East this weekend.
Kevin Bolam’s side have already enjoyed a win over
Warrington opposition this season after seeing off Warrington Rylands in the last round - but they will face a far tougher test when they host neighbours Town on Saturday.
The Yellows possess a number of players that are battle-hardened in the top tiers of the non-league game and will head into their second visit to South Tyneside this season sat in and around the Northern Premier League play-off places.
Hebburn can’t afford to have an off-day similar to the one they suffered in their last home game against Brighouse Town, when they visitors eased to a 3-1 win.
It has to be better from the Hornets, or this one could be an uncomfortable watch
against a very strong Yellows side.
Player to Watch: Olly Martin (Hebburn Town)
Shildon v Whitby Town Date: Saturday 30th October
Competition: Buildbase FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Venue: Dean Street Kick-off Time: 3pm
It’s safe to say it has already been a remarkable first season in step four of the nonleague system for everyone connected with Shildon.
The Railwaymen are chugging along nicely (sorry!) in second place in the Northern Premier League East Division table after winning nine of their first 12 games so far this season.
Their first FA Trophy run for a quarter of a century has only added to the excitement and a fine display in their 2-0 win at league rivals Cleethorpes Town has set up an eyecatching home tie against Premier Division side Whitby Town.
The Seasiders are currently enjoying a promising campaign of their own and look well-placed for a push for a play-off place in step three.
But they will face a Shildon side full of attacking intent, with the likes of Dean Thexton, Joe Posthill and Michael Sweet all more than capable of helping Daniel Moore’s side pull off what would clearly be seen as an upset.
A home win would also provide a moment of history for Shildon as they have never been beyond the third qualifying round of non-league’s premier cup competition.
Player to Watch: Dean Thexton (Shildon)
WhickhamvSeahamRed Star
Date: Saturday 30th October
Competition: Ebac Northern League Division One
Venue: The First Mortgage Glebe Sports Ground Kick-off Time: 3pm Whickham have been underwhelming in the Northern League’s top tier this season and they head into Saturday’s game with a new man in the dugout.
Former Ryton and Crawcrook Albion manager Tony Fawcett will take charge of the Lang Jacks for the first time when they host a Seaham Red Star side that are on a fine run of league form.
Mark Collingwood’s men will arrive at the Glebe looking for a win that could take them to within three points of a place in the top six - that’s a big contrast to the struggles they have suffered over the last two Covid-curtailed seasons.
They possess a strikeforce capable of troubling any defence in the division and they have a forward in fine form, as Adam Lennox has 15 goals in all competitions so far this season.
Whickham are very much an unknown and it will be interesting to see what impact Fawcett’s arrival has on the hosts in what seems an unpredictable meeting.
Player to Watch: Adam Lennox (Seaham Red Star)