Can history repeat?

Witton certainly hope so.

Albion have played South Shields in the FA Cup first qualifying round previously, running out 2-0 victors in the north east back in September 1998.

Brian Pritchard headed in Charlie Boyd’s corner inside five minutes to put Peter Ward’s men in front before Wayne Johnson doubled their lead midway through the first half.

This time Boyd’s set-piece was met by Scott Brenchley, only for Mark Errington to clear off the line.

However Johnson applied a decisive touch when captain Eddie Bishop chipped the ball his way.

Witton | Scott Healey (GK), Richie Carter, Brian Pritchard, Wayne Johnson, Jon Hassall, Charlie Boyd, Lee Prior, Eddie Bishop (Andy Smolenski 87), Scott Brenchley (Joey Roberts 72), Marc Hawkes (Mike Turner 75), Darren Twigg.

Which ‘underdog’ will take the initiative?

Carl Macauley, Witton’s manager, rejected a suggestion from the Guardian that tomorrow’s visitors are favourites to progress despite operating at a lower level than his side.

“No I don’t think they are,” he said.

“They’re strong, for sure, and have plenty of money. But that guarantees nothing.”

His opposite number, South Shields’ co-boss Graham Fenton, didn’t want the favourites tag anyway.

Nobody has beaten his team since November of last year.

“It will be unusual for us to be slight underdogs, and we are – any side that goes into a game against a side from a higher level should be seen that way,” he insisted.

Albion’s route to goal

No side in the Northern Premier League’s top-flight has scored fewer goals than Witton’s five during August.

That hasn’t prevented them from collecting 10 points from six games, half of which they have won 1-0.

All of their forwards – Rob Hopley, Will Jones and Steven Tames – are off the mark though.

Carl Macauley said before the start of the season that his side would be less flamboyant, shorn as it was of the goal-scoring and creative brilliance of Bradley Bauress following his transfer to Barrow during the summer.

Albion are less of a threat from set-pieces too if Paul Williams isn’t on the field, and a change of emphasis to be more solid in defence has compromised their attacking threat.

How do you stop a juggernaut?

Macauley prides himself on meticulous preparation, and relishes a tactical battle against his opposite number.

Albion have watched South Shields more than once since the draw was made earlier this month, and he has drawn up a plan after doing his homework.

“We’ve been in this position before against the likes of Chester,” he said, referring to last season’s epic FA Trophy first-round tie against the National League side.

“We expect a difficult game, but I believe in my players.”

South Shields haven’t lost a knockout game since the season before last – a defeat against North Shields in the Northern League Cup in March 2016.

However Macauley can’t call the north east for advice, for the victors’ manager that day was Fenton - now in joint charge of the Mariners.

Witton seek to wing it both ways

The return of full-back Matty Devine will be a huge boost to Witton’s hopes.

He has missed the past three games with a hamstring complaint, and Albion have no natural replacement in the squad to take his place.

Michael Wilson played left-back in a four-man defensive line against Altrincham on Monday, a game Witton lost.

Ben Hedley has filled in there too, but the on-loan teenager has been denied permission to play tomorrow by parent club Morecambe.

With Devine on one side and Anthony Gardner on the other, balance is restored to Albion’s formation as well as an ability to inflict damage from either flank.