Match Preview: Whickham (a)

We took a look at Whickham AFC in our latest Match Preview.

Deep in a relegation scrap at the foot of the Northern League, Whickham ironically welcome Redcar Athletic to the First Mortgage Glebe Arena with momentum on their side.

A shock victory at Darlington Road leaves the Lang Jacks eyeing a third successive win when the two sides do battle this evening, a record more than enviable given Redcar’s recent troubles.

WHO ARE YA?

Whickham

Founded in 1944 as Axwell Park Colliery Welfare, Whickham are another fine example of the north east’s rich history of footballing brilliance.

Colloquially known as the Home Guard Team in their early endeavours, Whickham switched the Derwent Valley League for the Northern Combination, moving again to the Wearside League before settling in Division Two of the Northern League.

It was in 1981 that the Gateshead outfit made national headlines, taking 5’000 supporters to the old Wembley Stadium in the Isuzu FA Vase, only to fall to a quick two goal deficit.

The Lang Jacks battled back from adversity, Alan Scott and Ronnie Williamson levelling the affair at the final whistle, as Billy Cawthra’s breakaway goal snatched the coveted cup in extra-time.

In the Northern League, Manager Billy Hodgson took the Tynesiders to new heights, earning a brief stint in Division One in the late 1980s, into the early 90s.

Back in the comfort of the second division, Whickham clinched the prestigious Durham Challenge Cup trophy, seeing off a stellar Billingham Synthonia in the final. The club followed their latest piece of silverware with yet another, winning the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

In 2018, Whickham finally returned to Division One finishing seventh, eighth and eleventh in their last three seasons.

CURRENT FORM

Second and twentieth lock horns this evening at the First Mortgage Glebe Arena, but on current form alone, you’d struggle to guess who sits where.

Victories over Birtley Town and West Auckland Town put the Lang Jacks in fine standing to climb away from the drop zone.

A third successive win this evening would move the Tynesiders four points clear of Seaham Red Star, and six clear of Tow Law Town at the foot of the division.

For Redcar Athletic, recent struggles have lead to a fall from top spot, although admittedly, three games in hand could make quick work of a one-point deficit.

North Shields dumped the Steelmen out of the Isuzu FA Vase at the weekend, two weeks after Shildon inflicted a third consecutive league defeat in such similar fashion.

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PREVIOUS HISTORY

Redcar Athletic have a favourable history when it comes to Whickham AFC, with a number of recent bouts fast becoming instant classics.

Most recently, the Isuzu FA Vase Second Round took the Steelmen to the First Mortgage Glebe Arena on a historic day for the club.

Adam Boyes netted the lone goal on the afternoon, as late heroics from Josh Mazfari booked Redcar a date with North Shields in the Third Round.

WHICKHAM 0-1 REDCAR ATHLETIC

Click below to watch the highlights.

In the Northern League, Redcar’s last visit to Whickham proved no less spectacular, as a late Jack Blackford double turned the tide of a crazy encounter.

Scott Robson struck the Lang Jacks ahead before seeing red in a scuffle with Kevin Burgess – who was also dismissed.

Layton Watts starred in the second half revival, laying on for both of Jack Blackford’s late goals to seal a dramatic three points.

WHICKHAM 1-2 REDCAR ATHLETIC

Click below to watch the highlights.

TEAM NEWS

Carl Jarrett will have almost a full squad to pick from this evening at the First Mortgage Glebe Arena, with Callum Guy and Jake Stott both back in contention having been unavailable at the weekend.