North Shields will look to extend their winning run to four games as they travel to Heritage Park to face bottom of the league Bishop Auckland.
Last weekend’s 4-0 away win over Ryhope Colliery Welfare was the Robins’ third win on the bounce, after 3-1 and 3-2 successes over mid-table Northallerton Town.
As it stands, Shields sit in third place in the Ebac Northern League Division One table, two points behind leaders Hebburn Town and level on points with second placed Newcastle Benfield.
However, with both Hebburn and Benfield set to face each other this weekend, and with the Robins having played two games fewer than the Lions, a positive results this weekend could see North Shields climb further up the league table.
Tomorrow’s hosts have had a tough start to the 2020/21 season, with the Two Blues two points adrift at the bottom of the league. They have also seen a change in management recently, with Andy Toman and Ian McGuckin replacing the outgoing Ian Chandler.
Having lost their last five league games, Bishop Auckland will have no doubt been buoyed by their 3-1 win over Horden CW in the Preliminary Round of the Durham Challenge Cup, courtesy of a Christopher Winn double plus a solo effort from Liam Potter.
A win for Bishops tomorrow could see them climb off the bottom of the league, should results elsewhere involving Billingham Town go their way.
North Shields have been boosted by the return of Kyle Patton to the match day squad, after the attacker suffered a knee injury against Marske United in the FA Cup. Despite not having played a minute so far this season, Patton has been able to return to training.
Last time the Robins made the trip south to Heritage Park, they put in one of their strongest performances of last season, winning 5-0 thanks to a Callum Smith double, a Kyle Patton penalty, an own goal and a late effort from Cam Cunningham.
