The Pitching In Northern Premier League East's top two meet this weekend at Bishopton Road West, with Stockton and Hebburn separated only by goal difference.

Hebburn come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win at Bridlington Town, given to them by Dean Briggs' early goal, which stretched their unbeaten run to seven games over the last two months.

Stockton meanwhile exited the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek following a 4-2 home defeat by Whickham, however their previous league outing produced a 4-0 win on the road at Grantham Town thanks to a brace from Kevin Hayes, and goals from Glen Butterworth and Michael Fowler.

That win means Michael Dunwell's men have now won their last five league matches. Hayes has 13 league goals this campaign and is only one behind top scorer Kevin Bastos of Belper Town.

Head-to-Head

Hebburn are on a run of three wins in a row against this weekend's opponents, including a victory on home soil this season.

Back in August, Hebburn came from behind to secure a 2-1 win on home soil. Adam Nicholson gave Stockton the lead early in the second half, before Amar Purewal restored parity from the spot. Olly Martin then grabbed a 90th minute winner for The Hornets.

Hebburn also won the corresponding fixture last season when Purewal and Joe Walton struck early to send the home fans home happy.

A Martin brace was added to by another Purewal strike in the FA Trophy last season, with Tyrone O'Neill's late goal a mere consolation.

The last game played at Stockton brought The Anchors' last victory over Hebburn back in August 2022. Stephen Thompson put the home side in front, before Liam Henderson levelled proceedings. Kevin Hayes then grabbed the winning goal just before half time.

Pre-Match Thoughts

Hebburn Manager Daniel Moore looked ahead to what should be a great game. "It'll be a tough game. Obviously, they're favourites for the league so we've got to go there and put a performance on, be professional and just give 100%. You can't ask for much more."

Asked whether he looks at those previous games against The Anchors, Moore commented "I don't pay too much attention to any other games. In this league you have to take each game as it comes, otherwise you can get ahead of yourself, and anyone can beat anyone in this league, so you have to prepare for each game as it comes."

Moore continued, "they know a lot about us, we know a lot about them. It's two decent sides who will be trying to win the game."

The squad remains in good health heading into this fixture, with the Gaffer providing an update on Jack Donaghy, "Jack's been given the all clear to come back. Obviously, he'll need some game time at some point, so he'll probably go with the Reserves for the next week or two just to get him up to speed, but he's trained the last four or five weeks so hopefully he'll not be too far away."

Venue Info

The game will take place at MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Road West, TS19 0QD.

Tickets are available on the gate or in advance online, with entrance costing £9 for adults, £7 for concessions and £3 for kids.