The Sole Surviving Victors: The Lowdown on North Shields

We took a look at North Shields in this special instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’

The Isuzu FA Vase Third Round is finally here, and with it comes the visit of an in-form North Shields.

The sole surviving victors of the competition still in with a shout of that elusive trip to Wembley, we took a look back at the Robins’ history, their Isuzu FA Vase success, and their relationship with Redcar Athletic.

WHO ARE YA?

North Shields

Formed in 1896 as North Shields Athletic, the Tyneside outfit are one of the oldest clubs in the Northern League.

Once a force to be reckoned with in North East football, Athletic – as they were then known – transcended the pyramid from the South Shields and District League, before the Great War hampered their success.

From such despair came the formation of Preston Colliery FC, a club which would later be renamed to form the North Shields AFC that exists today.

The Robins enjoyed extensive local support in their early years, with over 12’000 watching a derby bout with South Shields in 1936.

Their pinnacle of success came at Wembley in 1969, as goals from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey clinched the FA Amateur Cup over current football league side, Sutton United.

North Shields went on to turn their Amateur Cup triumph into a historic double. Adam Forster netted the winning goal in the FA Vase final, as the Robins overturned an early deficit to sink Glossop North End by the same scoreline.

CURRENT FORM

In our last look at the Robins, inconsistent results hampered their chances to be within a shout of Northern League success.

Six straight victories – including over Charnock Richard in the Isuzu FA Vase, and Boro Rangers in the league – now prove otherwise.

For Redcar Athletic, the outlook isn’t as positive.

Whilst still clinging on to top spot in the Northern League, the Steelmen are winless in three, the same stat marring what once proved an infallible home form.

A cup defeat to Newcastle University last came at the B&D Interiors Stadium, a result Redcar will look to bounce back from this afternoon.

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NORTH SHIELDS 3-1 REDCAR ATHLETIC

As well as being the only previous winners of the Isuzu FA Vase in with a shout of adding to their collection, North Shields were the first team to beat Redcar Athletic in the league this season.

A consolation strike from Jack Blackford proved far too little too late, on what can only be described as a bitter evening north of the Tyne.

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

See Redcar Athletic’s upcoming fixtures, and previous results.

ONE-TO-WATCH

JORDAN LASHLEY

That’s a name that will strike fear into the hearts of the Steelmen faithful.

A promising, young forward, Jordan Lashley made his name – at least from a Redcar persuasion – at Green Lane some years ago, coming off the bench to score four times in twenty minutes for Ashington.

Since, Lashley has regularly performed against the Steelmen, netting once and laying on a further assist in a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Heaton Stannington, and pulling the strings at the Daren Persson Stadium in September.

REDCAR ATHLETIC 2-1 NORTH SHIELDS

Late drama. Our report as Layton Watts struck in stoppage time to sink North Shields on their last visit to the B&D Interiors Stadium here at Green Lane.

FINDING THE B&D INTERIORS STADIUM

Joining us on our big day? You can find the B&D Interiors Stadium at the end of Green Lane, using the postcode TS10 3RW.

With parking to be limited at the ground, the club recommends the use of Headland Public Car Park on the Stray, just a short walk from the ground, and easily accessible.