Why should I watch..?

It’s the opening day of a new Northern Premier League campaign, and optimism is at its peak.

Witton would likely have wished for a gentler introduction than one that sends them to the home of most observers’ pick for likely title-winners – South Shields.

However it’s the sort of occasion on which Carl Macauley thrives.

His team certainly did last season, and collected points from away games against every team that finished in the top six except for Ashton United.

South Shields start life without Julio Arca, their talisman during a run of three successive promotions, and with high expectation.

The signing of Josh Gillies from Darlington is the most eye-catching of their summer transfer activity.

What they’ve said

“South Shields will be sharp, and we must be fully focused at every moment.

“They’re one of a number of ambitious clubs that have been promoted and that, for me at least, makes it an even stronger league than it was last season.

“We’ve got a tough start, but it’s in these fixtures that we performed at our best last year and recorded positive results.”

Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager

Numbers game

If selected, midfielder Tom Owens will make his 100th appearance for Witton Albion since signing from Marine in February 2016

Witton team news

Manager Carl Macauley is expected to include at least three of his new recruits from the first minute, including goalkeeper Greg Hall following his summer switch from neighbours 1874 Northwich.

There are no new injury concerns, although key defender River Humphreys is playing catch-up with his fitness after missing most of pre-season.

Nick Ryan is a long-term injury absentee after breaking his leg during a match at Marine in April.

Man to keep an eye on

Danny McKenna

Where Carl Macauley deploys him will be fascinating.

Has the best crossing ability, both from open play and also set-pieces, in the Witton squad and that makes him an important supply line to front two Rob Hopley and Will Jones.

Was recruited off the back of a hugely impressive campaign while playing full-back for Runcorn Linnets, but has often operated further forward in Albion’s colours.

Form guide (pre-season)

South Shields W4 D2 L3

Witton W3 D2 L3

Last season’s meeting

Witton 0-2 South Shields (FA Cup 1QR, September 2 2017)

Remember when…

Witton hosted South Shields last season in an FA Cup first qualifying round encounter?

Albion were left to rue not making the most of the chances they created to take the lead when substitute Jamie Holmes scored twice in the closing stages to send South Shields, then playing at a lower level in the Northern Premier League’s First Division North, through to the next round.

The Guardian was there, and this is how we reported it: Witton 0-2 South Shields: match report

Odds (SKY Bet)

South Shields 6/10

Draw 3/1

Witton 3/1

Essential information

When Saturday, August 18

Kick-off 3pm

Address Mariners Park, Shaftesbury Avenue, South Shields NE32 3UP

Admission Adults £10, Concessions £8 (over 65s/Students), Under 16s £3, Accompanied under 12s Free

Parking Available on Shaftesbury Avenue (or at nearby Barbour store)