Tynedale aiming for win over Blaydon

Expecting one of the most fiercely competitive and exciting games of the season - provided the weather helps both teams out - Shotton said the home side is keen to avenge its league defeat at Crow Trees earlier this term.

Take away fifth-placed Tynedale's win from their extra game played, and just one draw marks the Corbridge side's record out as superior to that of Blaydon in sixth. Both sides have seven bonus points, and even their points difference records are scarily similar.

Shotton said: "We did not play all that well that day, and it showed in the result.

"We have grown in experience and confidence at this level in the relatively short time since, and the players have proved to themselves as much as anyone else in recent weeks they can compete and have a real impact in this division.

"It is big results which give you that kind of confidence, and beating our local rivals would help with that as we move into the New Year.

"A victory would be a great way to round off a good year, but then I am sure they feel exactly the same, so it will be a cracking match."