Hebburn finished the season in third place in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division, losing on penalties to Long Eaton United just over a week ago in the play-off semi-final.

The Hornets are two-time winners of the Durham Challenge Cup, in 1943 under the guise of Reyrolles and in 1992.

Hebburn boss Daniel Moore is no stranger to the Stadium of Light, having managed Shildon to a 1-0 win over South Shields at Sunderland's home ground for the 2019 Durham Challenge Cup.

In fact, Moore and assistant Mark Hudson have won the Challenge Cup three times - twice as players and once as a management duo.

In the opposing dugout, Jason Ainsley won the cup in 2012 and 2020 (though the latter was shared with Sunderland U23s), as well as playing in several victories in the 1990's.

Ainsley's outfit ended this campaign ninth in the National League North, missing out on play-offs by goal difference following a hectic final day on Saturday.

Spennymoor faced Farsley Celtic at home and secured a 2-1 win with goals from Glen Taylor and Mark Anderson, but results from elsewhere meant they finished the season outside the top seven spots.

As mentioned, under Ainsley, The Moors have tasted success twice in the competition since reforming in 2005 however as Spennymoor United they won it 14 times.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Hebburn are yet to concede a goal in this year's competition, starting the run with a 2-0 victory away to Horden CW.

They also claimed a 1-0 win at Whickham, alongside penalty shootout victories at home to Jarrow and Seaham Red Star following 0-0 draws.

Spennymoor secured dominant victories over Shildon and Chester-le-Street United before a 3-1 win against Bishop Auckland.

In the semi-final, Corey McKeown bagged a brace as The Moors beat Dunston 2-0 on South Tyneside.

TEAM NEWS

Hebburn have a clean bill of health heading into the fixture, though Amar Purewal took part in light training at the weekend.

Will McCamley is ineligible for the final due to not making an appearance in any of the previous rounds.

FROM THE GAFFER

"They were in the play-offs until the last couple of minutes on Saturday," Daniel Moore stated on Spennymoor.

"They've had a really good end to the season and will play a strong side - we'll be the underdogs for one of the first times this year so it's a different proposition to the players, one which we should relish.

"I've played against them a couple of times since leaving but managing against them in a cup final is something I'm really looking forward to.

"Jason [Ainsley, Spennymoor manager] is a very good man manager and knows how to get the best out of his players - it'll be interesting going up against him because he's a winner as well."

OPPOSITION VIEW

"It's hard to sum it up," Spennymoor defender John Lufudu said after Saturday's victory.

"We ended the season strong and to miss out in the last few minutes was crazy - we gave it everything but it wasn't enough to get into the play-offs.

"We've got to dust ourselves down for Wednesday and go again to finish the season on a high."

FAMILIAR FACES

Hebburn manager Daniel Moore spent three years at Spennymoor, captaining them to the FA Vase at Wembley in 2013.

In that squad was also Dan Groves, Joe Walton and current Hebburn skipper Wayne Phillips.

Liam Henderson joined the following season and scored 37 goals as Spennymoor won the Northern League title in 2014.

All five played under current Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley during their time at The Brewery Field.

LAST MEETING

The last encounter between Hebburn and Spennymoor took place nine years ago at The Green Energy Sports Ground on March 11, 2014.

Current Hornets Dan Groves, Wayne Phillips and Liam Henderson lined up for the visitors in the Northern League Division One clash.

Spennymoor took the lead through a stretching Andrew Stephenson effort on 15 minutes but Aiden Bell equalised in the first half.

Moments later Dan Taylor regained the lead for The Moors and Stephenson made it 3-1 after half-time, before missing out on his hat-trick as a late penalty hit the post.

ENTRY INFO

Tickets for this match are still available via the Sunderland website by clicking here, with Hebburn supporters situated in blocks L20, L21, U21 & U22.

Admission is priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions.

Anyone wishing to purchase wheelchair/ambulant or Personal Assistance tickets - or any supporter who does not have online access to buy standard tickets - can either contact the Stadium of Light ticket office on 0371 911 1973 or visit the ticket office in person during office hours.

Please note that tickets will not be sold on the turnstile on Wednesday night.