Match Preview: Northallerton Town v North Shields (09/11/2019)

The Robins return to league action tomorrow afternoon when they travel to North Yorkshire to face newly-promoted Northallerton Town.

After having a free Saturday last weekend, the last time the Robins played competitive football was in their 4-1 away victory over Guisborough Town.

As a result of that win, the Robins now find themselves unbeaten in their last nine matches; the last four of which were victories.

Northallerton, on the other hand, have settled in the league after a tricky start to the season. In their last match, tomorrow’s hosts impressed by beating high-flyers Newton Aycliffe 3-2, lifting them to 16th in the Division One table.

In their last five matches, Northallerton have won twice (against Newton Aycliffe & Penrith), lost twice (against Newton Aycliffe & Newcastle Benfield) and drawn once (against West Auckland Town).

The Robins could be entering this match with an almost entirely fit squad to select from, with the likes of Wayne Buchanan, Adam Forster and Greg Purvis likely to return to action.

However, long-term absentees Gareth Bainbridge and Jordan Summerly are still unavailable as they continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries.

A win tomorrow for the Robins, coupled with a defeat for Newton Aycliffe against Newcastle Benfield, could see them jump up to second in the Northern League table; eight points behind runaway leaders Hebburn Town.

However, a victory for Northallerton Town could help the side further solidify their status in Division One, with tomorrow’s hosts looking to jump above Whitley Bay into 15th place.