Match Preview

South Shields Westoe travel across the Tyne to face Novocastrians this Saturday in a double-header fixture for the League and the Intermediate National Cup.

Westoe have been victors in the last five meetings of the teams and one may be forgiven for thinking this would be a foregone conclusion and big Westoe win. However, looking at the table and recent form suggests that Novos have turned a corner this season and are now the threat they always showed signs of in the past.

Novos sit just one place, and two points, behind Westoe and have won six out of seven league fixtures in 2019, losing only to league leaders Durham City. Westoe have also won six out of seven, also slipping to Durham City.

So on paper this promises to be an exciting and close fought affair, especially with the cup at stake alongside important league points.

Westoe field a strong pack, with the only change the inclusion of Martin Bengston on the flank, with Joe McKenzie switching to the centre in a reshuffled back-line. Joe has shown great versatility for the side over recent years playing both centre and on the flank and will make his 150th League appearance on Saturday.

Luke Moffett moves to outside centre allowing Ross Macauley to take the full-back spot and Matt Rannigan provides additional threat on the wing.

The squad is completed with a strong, experienced bench of Scorer, Ramsay and Judson.

Kick-off is at 3.00pm at Novos’ Sutherland Park, NE7 7SZ

Team Selection

1. Ryan Lamb
2. Raymie Elliott
3. Louis Kellett
4. John Younghusband
5. Andrew Kirton
6. Martin Peter Bengston
7. Alex Wylie
8. Sam Gaff

9 Sam Seymour
10 Andy Sutherland
11 Paul Evans
12 Joe McKenzie
13 Luke Moffett
14 Matt Rannigan
15 Ross Macauley

Subs:
16. Rob Scorer
17. Sean Ramsay
18. Chris Judson