History's spotlight on cup clash

History will be made tonight [Thursday] at the Aspire Stadium when Newcastle Town take on Stafford Rangers in the Sentinel Shield.

Apart from finals and semi-finals, the meeting between the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clubs' Unders 16s will be the first under spotlights in the competition's 88 year history.

Newcastle Town are the holders having won the trophy last season at Vale Park with a 2-1 extra time victory over Stoke Rams and all proceeds from the match are going to charity.

Apart from helping to fill the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club's trophy cabinet, the competition is also helping to produce players for manager John Diskin's first team squad, teenager Kallum Kenny now making an impression after graduating from last season's winning side.

Newcastle Town Chairman Paul Ratcliffe said: "The Sentinel Football Competitions have always been held in high esteem and to win one of the medals figures very highly in the ambitions of young players locally.

"It was an easy decision to allow the game to go on under lights on our main ground and the competition organisers are all for it. It has certainly received a big press locally. The game is between two of the best Non-League clubs in the area and both are looking to develop players for the future so I have no doubt it will be a high quality game."