After an uneventful 0-0 draw with Newcastle Blue Star, the Robins have dropped a place in the league table, sitting ninth and faced with a long away trip to Carlisle City this weekend.
Goalkeeper Callum Elliot added yet another penalty save to his repertoire, continuing the same form that has kept many clean sheets for Shields this season. A strong defensive display from Brian Smith’s men has been ever-present all season, and long may it continue.
However, the Robins failed to test the Blue Star keeper in the last game, which contributed to the recent dip in their attacking form. Shields have only scored four goals in their previous five games, three from open play. Summer signing Brandon Slater is starting to find his goalscoring form, scoring twice in the FA Vase against Chadderton. However, he is yet to find a goal in the league this season.
Carlisle City haven’t played a competitive match since last year, and that four-week absence from play means they’re fully rested for the game on Saturday. In comparison, Shields has played two games in the last week, with not much time to relax in between. However, the Robins have also had a lengthy post-Christmas break, and are burning off the excess energy caused by multiple game postponements over the last few weeks.
Carlisle City’s last three games have been disastrous for the Cumbrian side. They have lost all three of their last games of 2025, being beaten 4-0 by 5th placed Boro Rangers, 3-0 by relegation-threatened Marske United, and most recently 1-0 by our last opponents, Newcastle Blue Star. They’ll be looking to start their new year with a bang, and we should expect them to come flying out of the blocks at 3 pm on Saturday.
MATCH DETAILS:
Carlisle City vs North Shields FC
Kick Off – 3pm
Date – Saturday 24th January
Venue – Gillford Park Stadium, Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle, CA1 3AF
Prices – £6 Adults, £4 Concessions.
