North Shields make the long journey to East Yorkshire tomorrow afternoon to face Bridlington Town in the First Round of the FA Vase.
After successive years of falling at the first hurdle, the Robins have found success in this years’ competition, beating Tow Law Town and Northallerton Town in the two previous rounds.
But they come up against a side who enjoyed a run to the third round of the FA Vase last season, beating Selby Town and Penistone Church before losing to Northern League Division One side Stockton Town in the third round.
In the league, both sides find themselves in very good form. After the opening day goalless draw against Newton Aycliffe, North Shields have won eight, drawn one and lost one of the following ten league games, placing the Robins second in the Northern League Division One table.
As for tomorrow’s hosts, they find themselves near the summit of the Toolstation Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, winning five and losing two of their seven games. As it stands, the Seasiders are third, behind table-topping Yorkshire Amateur and Liversedge.
These two sides have faced each other in the past, with the last encounter taking place during the 2017/18 pre-season. A solo goal from Gareth Bainbridge wasn’t enough as the Robins fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Before then, the Robins met the Seasiders in the opening round fixture of the 2015/16 FA Cup, with goals from Parker and Walker handing Shields a 2-1 win.
For supporters who have purchased a seat on the coach, we will be departing from The Daren Persson Stadium on the dot at 10:30am on Saturday morning. Supporters who arrive later than this, despite having a seat reservation, risk being left behind.
All members on the coach will have their temperature taken before taking your seat. Anyone showing a high temperature will not be permitted to travel on the coach. Furthermore, you will be asked to go seek a Covid-19 test.
All members on the coach MUST wear a face covering for the duration of the journey, unless medically exempt. Supporters who refuse to wear a mask and do not have a medical exemption will not be permitted to travel.
After the game, the coach will leave Bridlington and return to The Daren Persson Stadium only. No drop offs along the way will be permitted.