Northern League announce dates for two cup competitions
The EBAC Northern Football League has announced the dates for the first round of both the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup and the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Second Division Cup.
The League Cup will feature sides from both Division One and Two while, naturally, the Second Division Cup will be purely for sides competing in its namesake. There are to be 10 clashes in the former and six in the latter. The draws were made in June this year, but the fixture dates are now confirmed.
Kicking off the League Cup on October 24 will be a tasty affair between two sides who narrowly missed out on promotion from their respective leagues as Bishop Auckland takes on Horden CW. Another battle between the divisions will see out-of-form sides Tow Law Town and Redcar Town meet.
The four other fixtures on the competition’s opening day will see eight Division Two teams in action. In what will be one for the neutral two league new boys will go face-to-face when FC Hartlepool meet Newcastle Blue Star – with fellow new arrivals Yarm & Eaglescliffe hosting Brandon United.
The remaining two fixtures will see Esh Winning host Thornaby and Tow Law Town taking on Redcar Town.
In the only clash that will guarantee a Division One team to go out, Guisborough Town will host Crook Town on October 25. Two teams struggling at the wrong end of their respective divisions, this first round tie may offer a chance for both Northallerton Town and Washington to begin to build momentum.
Two fixtures remain and it’s a duo of all Div Two, Ryton & Crawcrook Albion will welcome Easington Colliery, with the game kicking off in tandem with the two previously mentioned games. The following day will see just one fixture as Newcastle University host the high-flying Blyth Town.
The last fixture in the League Cup, Blyth Town will take part in the opening day of the Second Division Cup when they travel to Northumbrian neighbours Bedlington Terriers on November 7. Another short trip awaits Sunderland West End on the day as they travel to Washington, while Boldon hosts Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
The following day will see Billingham Synthonia playing host to Redcar Town and Prudhoe YC Seniors welcoming Chester-le-Street United. Newcastle University will again bring an end to proceedings when Esh Winning travel there on November 16.
