The 2024-25 Isuzu FA Vase season gets underway this weekend and Whitley Bay face a tough task away to in-form Lancashire side Longridge Town.
Saturday's game will be the first time the clubs have met and the hosts are currently in third place in the North West Counties League Premier Division with four wins and one defeat. Like Whitley Longridge went out of the FA Cup last weekend, beaten 3-1 at home by Midland League side 1874 Northwich.
A minibus for Bay fans will be leaving Hillheads at 10am on Saturday while other supporters will be making their way by car and public transport. A loyal group of Bay fans from Sandy in Bedfordshire will also be travelling in the hope of cheering the side on to victory in the competition which in Whitley triumphed between 2009 and 2011 with an unprecedented hat trick of successes at Wembley.
Saturday's game must be decided on the day, with penalties if the sides are level after 90 minutes.
