Morpeth Town square up to North Shields for the fourth time this season when they welcome the Robins to Craik Park for a Senior Cup tie which promises plenty of action.

The two sides played out an entertaining 1-1 draw last month and with a path to silverware at stake, expect a full-blooded encounter.

SNAPSHOT PREVIEW

FORM: Morpeth Town have seen their previous two matches postponed due to the wintry weather so they will be fresh and right up for an encounter with one of their long-standing rivals. Victory takes either side one step closer to a final at St James’ Park, and Morpeth head into the game on a run of one loss in 16.

In their last three meetings this season with the Robins, Morpeth have put nine past them, conceding just two goals.

After an impressive start to the campaign, which saw them lead the division briefly, North Shields have dropped points at critical times and drifted off the pace, sitting 13 points off top spot. Beating Marske United in their own back yard in the League Cup was a result to make the rest take note and their most recent clash with Town ended in a 1-1 draw in which Shields could have won at the end. The Robins had gone five unbeaten prior to their 3-1 FA Vase loss to Newcastle Benfield last time out, a run started following another defeat to Benfield earlier in the campaign.

LAST GAME: Morpeth’s victory against Ryhope CW was a routine one as they claimed a ninth home league win of the season, maintaining an unbeaten run at Craik Park spanning 11 games. Mark Davison scored early in the game before Liam Henderson’s double in the second period. Adam Cocks did reduce the arrears to 2-1 in the 88th minute but Henderson’s second, from fully 40 yards, ensured the three points stayed in Northumberland.

A Paul Brayson hat-trick ended North Shields’ FA Vase ambitions on Saturday in an action-packed game. The striker scored in the 26th minute, only for that to be cancelled out by Craig McFarlane’s 30th minute equaliser. However, Brayson would complete his trio with goals in the 48th and 69th minutes as Benfield progressed.

ONE TO WATCH: Ben Harmison is a physical presence and a focal point for the visitors’ attack. Able to bring others into the game with regularity, Harmison was more than a handful when Morpeth played North Shields last month, getting on the score-sheet in a 1-1 draw.

WHERE TO WATCH: Craik Park, Morpeth, Northumberland.

SAT NAV: NE61 2YX