No Newcastle United or Sunderland fixtures? No problem! Get behind our non-league clubs!
South Tyneside’s non-league clubs have been in remarkable form during the first two months of the season.
The first international break of the season means Newcastle United and Sunderland fans will face an extended wait to see their beloved clubs back in Premier League action.
But something is bubbling under in the South Tyneside football scene and the lack of top flight action will provide a real opportunity for four clubs in the area to attract support in key games during that time. In what has been a truly remarkable opening period to the 2026/27 season, South Shields, Hebburn Town, Jarrow and Boldon CA all find themselves sitting in the play-off places in their respective leagues and all four clubs have racked up some stunning results in recent weeks.
History makers Hebburn Town
For Hebburn, the season has already been one full of historic achievements. After securing the Northern Premier League Premier Division title for the first time in their history, the Hornets have embarked on a maiden voyage in the National League North.
Their record so far is an impressive five wins, two draws and just two defeats in their first nine games - and although they suffered a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Guiseley last weekend, they will make the short journey to Darlington in good heart as they prepare for a first North East derby of the season.
Mariners on the march!
South Shields have also enjoyed a promising start to their season as former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson looks to make an impact during his first season in charge of the Mariners.
With last season’s National League North play-off final defeat and a number of key departures behind them, the Mariners have lost just one of their first nine league games under Williamson and are sitting in sixth place in the table. They lie just five points adrift of leaders Hereford, who inflicted a heavy defeat on the Mariners earlier this month, and will now hope to close the gap when they face Buxton on Saturday afternoon.
Williamson’s men showed their resilience last Saturday when they bounced back from their defeat at Hereford by scoring seven goals without reply in an FA Cup second qualifying round win against Witton Albion - and they will hope to impress once again against Buxton this weekend.
Boldon CA and Jarrow still unbeaten
Boldon CA and Jarrow may lie four levels lower in the non-league pyramid - but that does not mean their achievements during the opening months of the season should be overshadowed.
As it stands ahead of Saturday’s fixtures, the South Tyneside neighbours have not lost any of their combined 25 league games, racking up 18 wins and seven draws, scoring 65 goals and conceding 20.
Entertainment value is certainly on offer. Both clubs are in the mix for a historic promotion into the Northern League’s top tier and they are playing their part in what is becoming an increasingly exciting season for non-league football in the area. So why not get out and support our clubs this weekend as they continue to chase success?
Fixtures
National League North
Darlington v Hebburn Town
Blackwell Meadows (DL1 5NR)
South Shields v Buxton
The Wolf Competitions Stadium (NE32 3UP)
Northern League Division Two
Boldon CA v Ryton and Crawcrook Albion
The Villa (NE35 9DS)
Jarrow v Stokesley SC
Perth Green (NE32 4AQ)
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