The Hornets had made it six wins in a row last time out, including a fifth clean sheet in a row when they beat fellow high-flyers Dunston 4-0 at Hebburn Sports Ground.

Amar Purewal had given the Hornets the lead in the first period, before stretching his lead at the top of the NPL East goalscoring charts shortly after the break with a well-taken penalty.

David Robinson was sent off for the visitors on the hour mark and Dean Briggs soon made the points safe, before completing his own brace in stoppage time to put the icing on the cake.

Ashington meanwhile seen off Bridlington Town, winning 5-2 at Woodhorn Lane. Dan Maguire scored twice in the first period, either side of a Lewis Dennison equaliser. Karl Ross and Charlie Exley then extended the lead before the break.

In the second half Wilson Kneeshaw made it 5-1 before Dennison grabbed his second, which would prove a mere consolation.
Head-to-Head

Prior to the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, Hebburn and Ashington had not met since the days of being Northern League rivals.

Back in the curtailed 19/20 season when Hebburn finished top with only 12 games played, the sides met at Woodhorn Lane, and the Hornets recorded a comfortable 6-1 victory.

The prolific Cedwyn Scott grabbed two goals by midway through the first half, before completing his hattrick just after the hour mark.

Former Durham cricketer Ben Harmison grabbed one back a minute later for the home side, but Scott quickly added his fourth to restore the three goal advantage.

Olly Martin then came off the bench to add a brace of his own, rounding off the scoring in injury time.

It was a completely different scoreline 2 months back, however, as Ashington ran out 4-0 winners thanks to Wilson Kneeshaw's early strike, followed by a Connor Thomson hat trick.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Hebburn Manager Daniel Moore commented ahead of the game, "it is frustrating having the game called off on Saturday, particularly when we're on such a good run."

Moore continued, "confidence is high in the campaign, we're scoring plenty of goals and keeping clean sheets, so we just need to keep that going and see where if takes us. Ashington beat us 4-0 on Boxing Day and we're well aware of the danger they carry. We certainly won't be underestimating the challenge."

Venue Info

The game will take place at Hebburn Sports Ground, NE31 1UN . Tickets are available on the gate (cash or card), with entrance costing £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, £2 for under 16s, whilst under 12s go free.

Our matchday programme, The Hornets will be available for £3.