North Shields face their toughest test of the season as third-placed Shildon face the second-placed Robins at the Daren Persson Stadium.
The hosts enter the game on something of a good run of form, remaining unbeaten in the league, having won their last four games against Billingham Town, Seaham Red Star, Tow Law Town and Guisborough Town.
From those games, Marc Nash’s men have scored a whopping 14 goals, conceding only four, with Wednesday evening’s 4-2 away win over Guisborough Town helping to move them three points above their County Durham counterparts.
Shildon, on the other hand, recovered well from their 2-0 away defeat to table-topping Hebburn Town, winning two and drawing one of their next three games against Newton Aycliffe, Northallerton Town and Chester-le-Street Town.
Over the course of the season so far, the Railwaymen have had seven different goal scorers, with striker Billy Greulich-Smith top of their scoring charts with three strikes to his name.
For the Robins, six players have managed to convert scoring opportunities this season, but returning striker Dan Wilson remains clear as the clubs top goal scorer, having notched seven goals.
With Kyle Patton and Paul Van-Zandvliet still unavailable due to knee and foot injuries, there will be a question mark about the availability of midfielder David Hall, who put in a top performance against Guisborough but was forced off with a hamstring injury.
But with the experienced Gary Ormston having recovered from his own knock, Nash will have a like for like replacement in the centre of midfield to play alongside Adam Forster.
In the past, this fixture has proved to be a very competitive affair, with both sides registering a victory last season.
At the Daren Persson Stadium, goals from Connor Campbell, Paul Van-Zandvliet and Gareth Bainbridge handed the Robins a 3-1 victory. In the reverse fixture at Dean Street, a wind-affected second half saw Shields on the wrong end of a 3-0 score.
Due to updated Government guidelines, our maximum crowd capacity is set at 150. We have sold out of ALL tickets so if you do not have a ticket, please DO NOT travel to the game.
For those with a ticket, you will be required to wear a face mask once inside the ground for the duration of the game. Any spectators without a mask will have the opportunity to purchase one before entry. Failure to wear a mask once inside the ground will result in you being asked the leave the premises.
