Whitley are back at Hillheads tonight for their first home game in four weeks when they face Bedlington Terriers in the 2nd Round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup. Bedlington, who were relegated to Division Two at the end of last season, are now managed by former Bay boss Paddy Atkinson, who has turned the club around since his appointment earlier this season. Just one defeat in twelve games has seen them climb from the bottom three to midtable.
Having lost to Second Division sides in both of the two major cup competitions this season, Whitley will be determined not to suffer a similar fate tonight and they will come into the game in good spirits after successive away wins at West Auckland and Washington. Alex Kempster is due to make a landmark 150th appearance tonight, a notable achievement at the age of just 21.
Under new rules this season, there is no extra time played in league cup ties so if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie will go straight to penalties.
