Non-League weekend preview: Huge weekend for Spartans and Shields

Read our non-league weekend preview, as our reporter Josh Lucas gives the low down on the big games!

National League North

Gloucester city vs Blyth Spartans 

Blyth Spartans go in search of their first win of the season at the third time of asking this weekend, but face a difficult task as they make a journey to the West Country to take on unbeaten Gloucester City. 

A heavy defeat away to Guisley on the opening day of the season was followed up by a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to AFC Telford. 

The 600 mile round trip comes days after Blyth were the victims of a cup upset when they lost 1-0 in the FA Cup third qualifying round away at Northern League side Marske United. 

The Pitching in Northern Premier League 

South Shields vs Matlock Town 

It’s fourth vs fifth in the Pitching In Northern Premier League as South Shields welcome Matlock Town to the 1st cloud arena. 

Both sides have got off to mixed starts to the season, with South Shields picking up eight points from their opening five games. 

Last time out Shields came away with all three points away at Bamber Bridge thanks to a Jason Gilchrist hattrick. 

Northern League Div 1 

Hebburn Town v Sunderland RCA 

Sunderland RCA face a difficult task when they travel to early pace setters Hebburn Town. 

RCA currently sit 14th in the league after playing seven games and currently find themselves on a three game losing streak after being on the end of a heavy defeat at the hands of Newcastle of Benfield on Wednesday night. 

Meanwhile the home side are coming into the game off the back of a 4-0 away victory at Whitley Bay. 

Sunderland Ryhope C.W. v North Shields 

Fifthteenth placed Sunderland Ryhope C.W. welcome North Shields to the Ryhope Recreation Ground and will be looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the season. 

Tuesday night saw them pick up their second win of the season after they beat West Auckland Town 2-1. 

The away side currently sit third in the league and come into the game off the back of a 3-1 victory away to Northallerton Town. 

Northern League Div 2 

Willington v Sunderland West End 

Sunderland West End travel to Willington with both sides in poor veins of form. 

West End have lost their last three, losing 3-1 away to Heaton Stannington on Wednesday night, while the home side have lost their last five. 

Willington are one point behind West End despite having played a game more.