This weekend may see something of a mini north-east invasion of Merseyside, as The FA Sunday Cup Final is played out at Anfield.
Current holders Coundon Conservative, from the Wear Valley Sunday League, take on the 2006 winners Hetton Lyons at the famous home of Liverpool FC.
And whilst Hetton's victory over St.Joseph’s two years ago is still relatively fresh in the mind of Lyons striker Adam Johnston, he is hoping that this trip to Anfield proves more fruitful than his last.
A big Liverpool supporter, Johnston had managed to get his hands on tickets for the recent Champions League game between the Reds and Arsenal and after setting off from his home in the north-east with plenty of time to spare, things seemed to be going to plan.
However, a car accident en route to Merseyside saw long delays and Johnston was forced to miss what proved to be another memorable European night at Anfield.
“It was by pure chance that I got tickets as I normally play football on a Saturday and Sunday, so I don’t get too many opportunities to go and watch anyone let alone Liverpool at Anfield in a European Cup game,” said Johnston, whose two goals in the Semi-Final against Paddock secured Hetton’s place in The Final.
“We left at 2.15pm in the afternoon, but we got stuck in traffic for six hours after there was a crash on the M62 and we ended up missing the game.
“So I just hope my next visit to Anfield will be a bit better.
“I think we’ll be travelling down on the Saturday evening and staying overnight, so hopefully we will avoid anything like that and hopefully we’ll be staying a second night to celebrate winning!”
The Durham Sunday League side have enjoyed a fine campaign to date and are chasing a total of six trophies this season.
Despite suffering only their first defeat of the season just two weeks ago, their form has been irrepressible otherwise but all focus is now on regaining the title of Sunday Cup champions.
“The memories from two years ago are quite blurry really, but it was a fantastic achievement for us,” added Johnston.
“We’ve done well to get this far again and it should be an interesting game now, but we’re all looking forward to it!”