Forget Newcastle United and Sunderland, South Shields and Hebburn Town is where to be this weekend

After being divided last weekend, the north east now has a chance to come together and reunite as one this weekend. Non League Day is back.

Newcastle United and Sunderland may have a fortnight off, but football doesn’t stop there. In fact, it’s only just beginning to heat up.

Forget your midtable battles and race third-tier European competitions, there are two promotion battles set to take south Tyneside by storm in the next few weeks - and both clubs need your support.

Every penny counts in non league and residents of Hebburn have been urged to come down and lend their support to Hebburn Town for their crucial game against Lancaster City on Saturday.

“Spectators in the community are a vital part of what we do here at the club and them getting involved does help a massive chunk of what we do from a financial aspect of running a club and an operation like this,” chief executive Stephen Rutherford told the Gazette.

“We implore and urge people to come and have a look, see what it's like. I'm sure you will enjoy it.”

That message was echoed by South Shields’ general manager Steve Camm who had this message for the town ahead of their game against Alfreton Town.

“At this stage of the season, it’s brilliant to be in contention and get into top spot.

“Anything that the people of South Shields can do to support us and give us that little extra support on a day where there’s not a lot else happening, that would be really appreciated.

“It’s always a cracking game. We’ve got lots of bars and hospitality so you will enjoy the experience.”

South Shields sit just one point and one place below league leaders AFC Fylde in the Enterprise National League North.

A division below, Hebburn Town are also separated by just a point from the top of the table and know that a good result this weekend could see them end the day at the summit.

As an annual tradition, Non League Day puts non league football in the headlights and headlines and, for one day at least, reminds people that below the increasingly murky and money driven top flights of football, there is plenty of good happening in local communities.

Despite the attempts of the Premier League, FIFA et al that suggest otherwise, football remains, and always will be, nothing without the fans and volunteers that build these clubs from the ground up.

If you need any further proof of that, then just ask Hebburn Town fan and season ticket holder Mick Kelly what the football club and Non League Day means to him and the community.

“It puts Hebburn on the map. It gives us a platform to build up the leagues.

“This place is a lifeline to me. I’ve bought myself a season ticket, which was at a good and reasonable price. I can’t wait for the new stand to come next season.

“I wish more people would come. I love coming here, there’s plenty of great people.”

South Shields host Alfreton Town at the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday 28 March (3pm kick-off).

Hebburn Town host Lancaster City at the Trustmark Group Stadium on Saturday 28 March (3pm kick-off).