Whitley and North Shields are due to meet at Hillheads tomorrow (Saturday) in the third North Tyneside derby of the season. In the two previous games the home side came out on top by two goals to nil. Whitley won the first encounter, a League Cup 2nd Round tie at Hillheads, with former Robin Ben Richardson getting the opener and Luke Salmon the second, both goals coming in the first half. Four days later the sides met again, this time in the League at the Daren Persson Stadium and on this occasion ex-Bay striker Callum Johnston scored a first half penalty for North Shields with Bobby Taylor getting the second soon after the interval.
Inconsistency has been the feature of both sides so far this season but Shields have been more successful overall and are currently in 5th place with 30 points from 19 games. Whitley sit in 13th position, with 19 points and having played two games fewer. Both sides come into this game on the back of good results. North Shields defeated high flying Hebburn 4-1 last Saturday while Whitley were 3-1 winners at Ryhope CW in the League Cup 3rd Round on Tuesday evening.
This will be Mick Mulhern’s first home game as Bay manager and after an impressive team performance in midweek, he could have some difficult selection decisions to make with Lewis Suddick and Ibby Hassan both returning to the squad after missing the League Cup tie.
A big crowd is expected and fans of both sides are asked to unite in support of The BAY Foodbank by donating items for the needy of North Tyneside. A collection of non-perishable food will take place at the ground from 2-3pm and all donations will be gratefully received.
With a forecast of bad weather for Saturday afternoon and evening, fans are asked to keep an eye on social media for latest updates on the game.
