Match Preview: Heaton Stannington FC vs Whitley Bay FC: Northumberland Senior Cup Final
On his 17th attempt, Rory McIlroy won his first Masters. Ending the long wait was a legacy defining moment for the Northern Irishman. One year later, he won it again.
In 2025, Heaton Stannington upset Morpeth Town to win their first every Northumberland Senior Cup. One year later they have the chance to go back to back.
Standing in their way are Whitley Bay FC. They won this cup 12 times, but this will be their first final since 2013.
Heaton Stannington come into the match as favorites, having finished 8th in the Northern Premier League East (8th tier) this season.
Whitley Bay meanwhile, just missed out on promotion from the Northern League (9th tier). They finished 3rd, but lost in the playoffs.
Although Whitley Bay won’t be favorites, they need only look to their opponents to find belief. Like this season, there was a tier difference between the finalists last season, this time Heaton Stannington were from the lower division. Yet it was the Stan who prevailed on penalties.
Heaton Stannington
Nickname: The Stan
Home Ground: Grounsell Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7HP
Home Colours: Black and White Stripes
Path to Final: QF: home victory over Blyth Town, 3-2 on penalties after 1-1 scoreline, SF: 5-1 home victory over Newcastle University
Manager: Dean Nicholson: Nicholson has managed the club since 2021. He has overseen their promotion to the Northern Premier League East as well as their first Senior Cup title.
Notable Players: Dale Pearson is the team’s top scorer with 25 goals in 46 appearances. Joe Shepherd, Jay Errington, and Dan Capewell have appeared in every single fixture for Heaton Stannington this season.
Whitley Bay FC
Nickname: The Seahorses
Home Ground: Hillheads Park, Whitley Bay, NE25 8HR
Home Colours: Blue and White Stripes
Path to Final: R1: 2-0 home victory over West Allotment Celtic, QF: 2-1 home victory over North Shields, SF: 0-1 Away Victory over Newcastle Benfield
Manager: Jay Bates: Bates has managed the team since 2024. He brought with him 6 years of experience with West Allotment Celtic. Lead Whitley Bay to third place league finish and Senior Cup Final this season.
Notable Players: Mackenzie Sharpe leads the team in goals with 25 in 37 appearances. Mauro Asikaogu and Mechack Kanda are appearance leaders with 45 each.
Game Details
Kickoff: Tuesday, 5th May, 7:30 PM
Venue: St James’ Park, enter through east stand, turnstiles 39-47
Admission: adults £8, concession £4, u18 £2: pay at gate, cash payments only: programme will also be available at turnstiles
Fan Zone: St James’ Stack: Open to fans of both teams
