Whickham get their 2025/26 Ebac Northern League Division One campaign under way when they travel to North Shields on Saturday, July 26.
The Lang Jacks will be hoping for better fortunes than last season, when they narrowly avoided relegation on the last day of the season. However, following a host of new signings and as many as seven pre-season games under their belt, spirits are high.
First up on the calendar for Tony Fawcett’s side is Brian Smith’s North Shields side.
Matchday Information
Venue: The Daren Persson Stadium, NE29 0SS
Date: Saturday, July 26
Kick-off: 3:00 pm
Tickets: Adults £8, Concessions £5, Under 16s £2 (Cash & Card)
What The Lang Jacks Are Saying
Speaking ahead of the season opener Tony Fawcett said: “Pre-season has gone really well for us. The lads have worked hard, applied themselves properly, and built a good foundation both physically and tactically.
“We’ve had some strong performances, but more importantly, we’ve seen steady progress in terms of team cohesion and sharpness. There’s a real belief in the group. Everyone’s pushing each other, and that competition for places is exactly what you want going into a new campaign. So yes, we feel ready, and we’re looking forward to getting started.
“We know Saturday will be a challenge, North Shields are a strong side, especially at home, and they’ve got quality in key areas; but we’re not going there just to make up the numbers. We respect them, but we back ourselves. If we stick to our principles, stay disciplined, and show the togetherness we’ve built in pre-season, we believe we can come away with a positive result. It’s a good test, and the lads are up for it.”
The Opposition
North Shields finished eighth in the Northern League Division One last season
The Robins have gone unbeaten in their four pre-season games with 1-0 wins over Knaresborough Town and AFC Newbiggin and draws against Ashington AFC and Dunston UTS.
Last Seasons Head to Head
The two sides last met at the First Mortgage Glebe in February earlier this year, with Shields taking all three points in a 3-2 win.
Earlier in the season, in September, the Robins defeated the Lang Jacks 2-0 in front of a crowd of 347 people at the Daren Persson Stadium.
Match Coverage
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Written By Callum Jacques
