The Robins are set to host Morpeth Town Wednesday evening in the semi-final of the Techflow Northumberland Senior Cup; a repeat of last season’s final.
After the 2-1 quarter-final triumph over Division Two West Allotment Celtic, Shields were handed a home tie against the Highwaymen, who beat Whitley Bay 2-0 to reach this stage.
Despite being two divisions apart, both sides will be familiar with each other after facing off in the Senior Cup Final last season at St James’ Park.
After Craig Spooner’s headed effort from a Sean McRoberts cross cancelled out Liam Henderson’s early strike, the Robins hearts were broken deep into extra time when Jack Foalle scored in the 111th minute; moments before penalties.
That wasn’t the only success for the Highwaymen last season as they achieved promotion at the first time of asking from Northern Premier League Division One East.
Currently, they sit in 10th place in the Northern Premier League table, nine points off the play-offs but with three games in hand on the teams above them.
Morpeth enter Wednesday’s game in a decent run of form, having won three and drawn one of their last five games; two of those fixtures being against local rivals South Shields.
However, the Robins are on something of an impressive run of their own, winning their last five games whilst conceding only four goals. Overall, the Robins have won 16, drawn three and lost only two of their last 21 games, leaving them in fourth place in the Northern League Division One table.
If selected, former Morpeth and current North Shields midfielder Paul Robinson will be making his 100th appearance for the club.
The winners of this tie will play either Blyth Spartans or Newcastle United Under 23’s at St James’ Park in the Final.
