There’s no rest for the wicked this week after Wednesday’s triumph over Easington Colliery. The Robins are playing again this weekend in the Ebac Northern League Division One against Crook Town AFC.
Crook Town currently sit in 15th place in the Northern League Division One. They have struggled this season, starting the first few games at the bottom of the table. Their highest league position is 14th, and some mid-season momentum has seen them stay above the drop zone.
It also must be noted that Crook has only played 26 games this season – four fewer games than Brian Smith’s Robins – and there is still a chance they climb up to mid-table. I would expect there to be a clear-cut winner at the end of this tie, as Crook is the lowest drawing team in the entire league; the only game finishing level was their last match, an impressive 2-all draw against fourth-place Kendal Town.
Shields seem to have solved their attacking woes in the clash with Easington Colliery. The finishing ability on display in the last game was much-needed to start building some momentum after the disappointing end to our FA Vase campaign. Jordan Lashley and Lee Mason found the answers last time around. The return of Ryan Carr and Jamie Holmes, added to the constant presence of Stephen Hall and Dean Holmes, means the Robins look to have more options in attack than in recent times.
Although the league table would have you suggest Shields should expect to win this one, don’t disregard the character shown in Crook’s last game against Kendal Town. They can pull together as a team to grind out results when they need to, and it will not be an easy game for Brian Smith’s men. As it comes down to crunch time in the league, many teams, including ours, will be playing with more confidence and intensity than ever, trying to climb as far up the table as they can. Crook will use their games in hand as a source of confidence, as they look to soar up the league with a good run of results.
If you’re coming down to the game on Saturday, travel safely, and thank you all for your continued support!
MATCH DETAILS:
North Shields FC vs Crook Town AFC
Date – Saturday 28th February
Kick Off – 3pm
Venue – Daren Persson Stadium, Silkey’s Lane, North Shields, NE29 0SS
