By Ben Edwards
After two games called off in just four days, the Seasiders will be hoping their home game against Hebburn Town won’t fall foul of the wintry weather conditions.
They were due to take on Pontefract Collieries last Saturday, though a frozen pitch saw that called off on the morning of the game.
That took the Seasiders into their East Riding Senior Cup opener against East Riding Rangers on Tuesday evening, or so they thought.
It was a game that had already been called off once, as the fixture was originally scheduled for 14th November, though a waterlogged pitch postponed that game. Similarly circumstances occurred this time around as the match was called off on Monday afternoon.
It will now be played on Tuesday 12th December at the Hudgell Solicitor Stadium, with kick off at 7:30pm.
The Pontefract game would no doubt have been a tough test against a side in the playoffs, though Saturday’s visit from Hebburn brings a similar level of opposition.
After a strong campaign last season, which saw Hebburn lose out in the playoff semi-final, they’ve had a great start to the 2023/24 season.
They’re second, only to playoff-finalists Stockton Town in the Northern Premier League East table, of whom they’re only behind on goal difference.
That being said, the Seasiders should approach the game with confidence. Not only due to an excellent run of results, but because they have proved they can beat strong teams, particularly at home.
Their last match at Queensgate was against another side currently in the playoffs in Consett AFC. That game ended in a convincing 3-0 victory for Adrian Costello’s side.
Following that promising victory, the Seasiders travelled to Ossett United, picking up a 1-1 draw thanks to Jack Walters’ 89th minute strike.
Hebburn have also experienced late drama away to Ossett United recently, drawing 4-4 with the West Yorkshire side, having conceded in the 86th and 89th minute before scoring the final goal in injury time!
They then travelled to Belper Town, who had been top of the league for the majority of the season before experiencing a dip in form. The Tyne and Wear side left with an excellent 3-0 victory!
Along with every other Northern Premier League East game, Hebburn’s match against Brighouse Town was postponed on Saturday. It means that both Bridlington and Hebburn will have had a 2-week break without a game, having last played on 25th November.
Amar Purewal has been banging in the goals for Saturday’s visitors, with nine goals so far this season. Lewis Dennison is the most prolific player for Bridlington Town, having netted six times this campaign.
Bridlington Town are yet to beat Hebburn in the Northern Premier League, despite facing them four times. They suffered two defeats last season, with the home game coming at a similar time, which resulted in a 2-1 defeat on 3rd December 2022.
The away match, which was Mike Thompson’s last in charge of the Seasiders at the end of January, ended in a 2-0 loss.
