The Robins aim to kick off the new year in style as they host Sunderland RCA in the first home game of 2020.
Boxing Day’s entertaining 3-1 win over neighbours Whitley Bay helped lift North Shields up to fourth in the Ebac Northern League Division One table.
Having gone behind courtesy of a Coleby Shepherd penalty, strikes from Scott McCarthy, Paul Van-Zandvliet and Callum Smith helped secure the first ElCoastico win of the season in favour of the Robins.
And a positive result tomorrow against mid-table RCA would help the Robins keep in touch with the other promotion-chasing sides in the league.
However, tomorrow’s guests will be boosted by an impressive victory over their own neighbours; comfortably beating Ryhope CW 4-1 at home.
With the score 1-1 heading into the final 15 minutes, goals from Dylan Elliott, Mark Davison and Ryan Leonard helped bag RCA their second win on the bounce.
Speaking ahead of the game, Shields manager Marc Nash feels his side have come a long way since their opening day defeat againt tomorrow’s guests.
“Tomorrow’s opponents are on the back of their very own impressive derby victory so will be full of confidence,” said Nash.
“We lost at their place first game of the season in somewhat controversial circumstances, after playing very well first half.”
“Having given at least six debuts that day, we have come a very long way and made loads of progress.”
“We are looking forward to seeing how we compare.”
