Dominic Agnew signs loan deal with Whickham FC

Dom Agnew will be the new face at the First Mortgage Glebe on Saturday after completing a loan move from South Shields, writes ADAM TONES.

The defender goes straight into Tony Fawcett’s squad for the visit of Redcar Athletic on Saturday (2pm kick-off after the start time was brought forward).

Agnew signed a two-year professional contract with Shields in the summer, and has spent time out on loan at Ashington already this season.

The teenager is now hoping to continue his football education at Whickham and show manager Tony Fawcett what he can do.

Agnew said: ‘’He wants me to come in and play my game and do what I do best. First of all defending, I want to keep clean sheets, being composed on the ball and getting the ball in behind for the attackers to run on to.”

Agnew understands he has a task on his hands breaking into the team following a run of three consecutive clean sheets.

‘’It’s going to be difficult, but it’s going to be healthy competition to keep more clean sheets and help Whickham push on in the table,” he admitted.

“I’ve played against Redcar once already this season, they’re a physical side, they like to get the ball in the box and they’re direct.’’

Manager Tony Fawcett will have a number of selection dilemma’s following the teams 100% win record since his arrival.

Whickham’s only injury concern is Conor Newton; the midfield is still a number of weeks away from a return to the squad.

Redcar Athletic come into the match without a league victory in their last four outings. The visitors suffered a heavy 5-2 away defeat to Whitley Bay last Saturday.

The away team have struggled to keep a clean sheet of late, shipping 19 goals in their last six matches across all competitions. Victory at home to Crook Town in mid-September was the last time they managed to keep a clean sheet.

When the two teams met at Green Lane back in August, Whickham produced a solid display and left with all three points following a 2-0 victory.

The match will kick off at an early time of 2pm this Saturday and tickets will be available at the gate on match day. Adults £6; Concession £3.