TWO local sides will lock horns for an early-season derby match in the Northern Alliance division one this weekend.

Prudhoe YC Seniors will host Hexham FC at Kimberley Park on Saturday.

Both teams are in mid-table after winning three of their opening six fixtures of the new campaign.

Prudhoe secretary Duncan Graham said: “This is a big derby match and it is an opportunity for local football fans to come along to Kimberley Park and watch, what we hope will be a very good game.

“We have just been promoted, and being in the same division as Hexham, we’ll have two derbies in the league this season, which will hopefully generate local interest in the Northern Alliance.”

Hexham ran-out 4-0 winners against Forest Hall on Saturday, while Prudhoe’s last match was a 2-1 reverse against Blyth Spartans Reserves on August 29.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm, and refreshments will be served in the community centre next to the ground.

Kimberley Park hosted some big fixtures towards the end of last season, including the Sunday League division one cup final in April, when Hexham Phoenix defeated Haydon Bridge on penalties.

The following month, the Bob Stokoe Shield took place at the venue, when a team made up of Prudhoe players took on Sunderland in a match held in memory of the Mickley-born former Black Cats manager.