Whitley take on local rivals North Shields in the final game of the season on Saturday. Classed as '#Elclasicoast' the North Tyneside derby is an eagerly awaited fixture by fans of both clubs.
The game sees the sides separated by just two places and three points in the top half of the Northern League table. The Robins have the edge but a victory by three goals would see Whitley leapfrog their rivals in the final placings.
At the beginning of March, North Shields ran out 3-1 winners when the sides met at the Daren Persson Stadium but last season, Whitley claimed a memorable double with a crushing 7-2 victory at Hillheads followed by a 2-0 success in the return game on Easter Monday.
There are always close connections between the clubs and the current management team at North Shields are led by Brian Smith and Steve Cuggy, two former Bay favourites and Vase winners.
Both sides come into the game following 2-0 away defeats last weekend, Shields at West Auckland and Whitley at Penrith.
With a big Bank Holiday weekend crowd expected, fans are urged to arrive in plenty of time to avoid queues at the turnstiles. To ease the congestion, tickets will be on sale at the Seahorse clubhouse tonight (Thursday) and again tomorrow (Friday) from 6 - 8pm. Cash or card payment will be accepted. There will be a separate gate open for ticket holders on Saturday afternoon from 1.00pm.
We would respectfully remind all spectators that under FA Ground Regulations, fireworks or any other pyrotechnics, smoke canisters, air horns, flares, cans and glass bottles must not be brought into the ground.
** Further information for Whitley Bay fans:
The Club's Presentation Night will be at the Seahorse on Saturday 31st May. All Fans are welcome, more details to follow.
Season ticket prices for 2025/26 are being held at the current rates and renewal forms will be available at the Club Office on Saturday.
