We take a closer look at the stats ahead of our fixture with South Shields.

The Hoops take on South Shields in the Vanarama National League North.

We take a closer look at the match and some of the stats & facts ahead of the clash.



#1

It’s the fourth successive game at the start of this season that the Hoops are meeting a side for the very first time.

#2

Perhaps a strange landmark for the two fixtures, but this weekend’s game will mark the furthest south that South Shields have ever played a league fixture, and the return fixture will mark the furthest north the Hoops have ever played a league fixture.

Both have played other competitive fixtures past the extremities, however, with standouts being a trip to play Team Solent for Shields in 2016-17, while the Hoops were north of the Tyne in the 1972-73 Amateur Cup to play North Shields.

#3

South Shields have had an extraordinary rise in recent years, with four promotions since 2015-16 season, three of these in successive seasons.

To put this into context, the last time City were in the National League North in 2014-15, South Shields were in Step 6 of non-league, the equivalent of the Hellenic League Division One in local football.

#4

Both clubs have made one previous visit to their opponents’ home county last season. City lost at Gateshead, while South Shields had more success with a 3-0 win at Banbury United in Oxfordshire last season.

#5

This is the second time City have faced 'the Mariners'. Both club's share a nickname.