Whitley Bay travel to St James' Park, Newcastle tomorrow night hoping to lift the Northumberland Senior Cup for the first time since 2010, when they take on holders Heaton Stannington.
Victory would be the perfect send off for departing manager Jay Bates who announced last week that this would be his final game in charge after two years at the club.
Both sides have had successful seasons in their respective divisions, Heaton Stannington finishing 7th in the Northern Premier League East Division, while Whitley claimed third place in the Northern League First Division. The Stan's higher status will make them favourites to retain the trophy tomorrow but there have been a number of upsets in the competition this season and Whitley will be hoping to continue that theme.
As holders, Heaton received a bye in the first round before overcoming Blyth Town on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Quarter Final. They then defeated Newcastle University 5-1 in the semi final, both of their games being played on home turf.
Whitley's route to the Final began in October with a 2-0 victory over West Allotment Celtic at Hillheads. A three times postponed Quarter Final against local rivals North Shields ended in a 2-1 win in front of 861 fans, then another big crowd witnessed a tense 1-0 win at Newcastle Benfield in the semi final, Benfield having knocked out Morpeth in the previous round.
Heaton Stannington won the trophy for the first time last year thanks to a penalty shoot out victory over Morpeth Town, while Whitley have lifted the cup 12 times, the most recent being in 2010 when they defeated Ashington 2-1 with goals from Paul Chow and Adam Johnston. The Colliers gained revenge three years later when the sides met again at St James' Park, which was the last time Whitley reached the Final.
The competition is sponsored by Newcastle Flooring Company and kick off is at 7.30pm.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie will go straight to penalties.
Ahead of the game, from 4.30pm, there will be entertainment in the St James' Stack just outside the ground.
Admission to the game will be £8 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for Under 18's, payable by cash only at turnstiles 39 - 47 at the East Stand, which will be open from 6.30pm.
There are no advanced ticket sales.
