It’s that time again, and after yet another win for Brian Smith’s side, North Shields are once again at home in the EBAC Northern League Division One.
This time, we welcome a new side to the Daren Persson Stadium: one of last season’s relegated clubs, Blyth Town.
Premier League Level Test?
One of Blyth Town’s big talking points over the summer was their signing of former Newcastle United player Shane Ferguson.
The Northern Ireland international plied his trade professionally for Newcastle United, Rangers, Birmingham City, Milwall, Rotherham United and Derry City, playing across the Premier League, Championship, and League One.
Ferguson’s career highlights include achieving promotion to the Championship from League with both Milwall in 2017, and again with Rotherham United in 2022.
After representing his country as a senior 57 times, he winded down his long career at Morpeth Town last season, before making the switch to Blyth Town.
Mixed Results:
When it comes down to any club that is relegated from the division above, one would believe that they would be one of the favourites to bounce straight back up.
But, for Blyth Town, it seems they have fallen out of that conversation spectacularly.
After 14 matches, they sit in 14th place, on 18 points from five wins and three draws.
Blyth Town started the season with a bang. In their first match as a Division One side, they went on to smash Birtley Town 6-0. They kept that form going with a 5-0 win over Penrith in the game after.
Another win in the books against Marske United, and then, a dip in form preceded.
Some draws, wins and losses; including a 4-1 thumping in the FA Cup at the hands of Shildon, and then Blyth’s season took a nose dive.
It started with a 4-5 loss in a crushing defeat away to Kendal Town on 29th August, and Blyth Town have not recorded a league victory since.
In their last match, they lost in the FA Vase on penalties to Bottesford Town, and the legs are likely to be tired for tonight’s affair.
Bailey Adamson is their top goal scorer on 16, and is a dangerous player when left to play his own game.
Bounce-Back Robins:
North Shields recorded their first loss in the league since the end of August, losing out 1-0 to Crook Town.
They were not at their best at the weekend, and a stoppage time screamer from Joe Bates stole all three points for the visitors at the death.
Although Shields were dominant, they rode their luck at times, narrowly avoiding damage from Crook’s quick counter attacks.
It was a reality check for the Robins, who may have been flying too high for their own good.
It was a stark reminder that in football, anything can happen if you are not ruthless enough in front of goal.
