North Shields will be hoping the recent bad weather stays away as they begin the second half of their season with an away game against Thornaby.
The Robins have been without competitive football for almost three weeks, after home ties against Stockton Town and Thornaby were called off due to waterlogged pitches.
And with rain scheduled to fall most of this week, the hopes of Saturday’s game going ahead hinge on the Thornaby pitch surviving the weather.
After what was a difficult start to life in Division One, Thornaby have really found their feet and are on something of a good run of form.
Since their 6-4 defeat to Longridge Town in the FA Vase, the Blues drew against Whitley Bay before beating Brandon United, Northallerton Town and Guisborough Town; results which have seen the club climb to 15th in the Division One table.
Their form has also been aided by the addition of striker Adam Preston, who joined the club from Division Two pace-setters Redcar Athletic.
Speaking ahead of the game, North Shields manager Marc Nash was wary of the threat posed by Saturday’s opponents.
“Thornaby are in decent form so we are expecting another tough game,” said Nash.
Nash was also quick to point out how his side need to be focused on performing as they enter the second half of the season.
“The short term aim was to be in the top five at the half way stage so we are well placed, but we can’t allow slip ups in the next few games.”
After Saturday’s game, the Robins will face Newton Aycliffe at home; a game which begins a very busy month of football for North Shields.
In the month of December, after a recent rescheduling, the Robins have six home games, five of which are at home (Newton Aycliffe, Stockton Town, Thornaby, Ryhope CW and Whitley Bay).
The only road trip that the Robins are slated to face is on December 14 when they make the trip south to face Shildon.
Pending the weather ofcourse!
