Disappointed Dom wants to prove a point against his former club

As kick-off approaches one man who knows a lot about tonight’s opposition is former South Shields academy defender Dom Agnew. WRITES ADAM TONES.

Dom initially signed for Whickham on loan in November last year before completing a permanent transfer last summer following his release from South Shields. 

The central defender has been an ever-present in Whickham’s defence over the last 12 months, appearing 37 times, scoring one goal, and helping keep 14 clean sheets in the process. 

However, Dom was left disappointed when his contract was not renewed by the Mariners and is looking to prove a point on Tuesday evening.  

Agnew said: “I was disappointed at first when I was told about the upcoming season, but I knew I wanted to get back to playing football regularly week in, week out and start enjoying it again. 

“I want to improve as a player and hopefully progress and step up in the future.”

When asked about how he felt coming up against his former club he said: “It’s massive, I’m looking forward to it, I’ve been wanting it to come around for a few weeks now. 

“I’ve been looking at the dates, it’s another game and one I want to win and go as far as we can in the competition.

“We want to get the job done and by any means necessary we’ll do it.”

Dom, 19, from Sunderland, is eager to get his hands on silverware with the Lang Jacks and this competition is one he is looking at closely.

He added: “Every player wants to win silverware and the Durham Challenge Cup is one where you can go and prove yourself as a team.” 

The no-nonsense centre half is thoroughly enjoying his time at the First Mortgage Glebe. 

He said: “I really enjoy it; I think you play better when you enjoy your football, we are a close-knitted together group and we all get along with each other.

It’s a good laugh off the pitch, but when we’re on the pitch we are serious, and we want to win every game.

South Shields manager Kevin Philips has admitted his and the club’s focus is on promotion, with the Durham Challenge Cup not being top of their priority list. 

However, having recently suffered FA Cup heartache at the hands of Forest Green Rovers as well as exiting the FA Trophy in the early stages their focus may have shifted slightly. 

One thing is for sure, tonight’s match will see a passionate and determined Agnew enter the field looking to get one over his former club and book Whickham a place in the Durham Challenge Cup quarter-finals.