The Wearside League is primed for a busy weekend, with Friday night cup drama then a bumper Saturday of league and knockout action.

From the Premier Division to Third Division fixtures, plus the return of the Alan Hood Charity Cup and Clem Smith Bowl, there’s no shortage of matches to follow.

Whether you’re tracking the title hopefuls or sniffing out a giant-killing in the cups, there’s plenty to keep you on your toes.

Friday, August 15, – Friday Night Cup Football

The weekend kicks off under the lights with a First Round tie in the Alan Hood Charity Cup.

Brandon United vs Silksworth Colliery Welfare – Welfare Ground, Brandon (19:30)

A classic cup fixture to start the weekend, this one pits two competitive sides against each other with a place in the next round up for grabs.

Expect a lively atmosphere and a fast-paced start as both look to set the tone for their season.

Saturday, August 16, – League and Cup Bonanza

Premier Division (14:00 kick-offs)

Gateshead Leam Rangers vs West Auckland FC Reserves

Hartlepool Pools Youth FC Seniors vs Easington Lane FC

Seaton Carew Seniors vs Washington FC

Shotton Colliery vs Farringdon Detached

Willington AFC vs Durham FC Corinthians

This Premier Division schedule is likely to shake up the early standings, with plenty of opportunity for sides to stamp their authority on the campaign.

First Division

Wynyard Village vs FC Hartlepool Reserves – 13:30

Darlington FC Youth U23s vs Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves – 14:00

Shildon Railway vs Middlestone Moor – 14:00

Wolviston vs Ferryhill Athletic – 14:00

Belmont United vs Coxhoe Athletic – 14:30

With kick-offs staggered through the afternoon, fans could potentially catch more than one First Division game.

Second Division

Crook Town Youth FC vs Washington Athletic FC – 12:30

The earliest start of the day, and one that could be pivotal for early-season momentum.

Third Division

Boldon CA Boca Res vs Gateshead Kurdish FC – 12:30

Shotton Colliery Reserves vs Peterlee & Horden CWFC – 13:00

Billingham United vs South Moor Res – 13:30

Consett AFC Reserves vs Sunderland Albion FC – 14:00

From lunchtime through to mid-afternoon, the Third Division offers a packed card of football.

Saturday Cup Action

Knockout football returns with the Alan Hood Charity Cup and Clem Smith Bowl offering the chance for lower-league sides to cause a stir.

Alan Hood Charity Cup – First Round (14:00)

Ferryhill Town Youth vs Richmond Town – Dean Bank Recreation Ground

South Moor AFC vs Windscale – South Moor Sports Club

Clem Smith Bowl

Extra Preliminary Round (14:00): Durham County Colts vs Durham City AFC – Wellfield School

Easington Lane Reserves vs Hilda Park FC – Murton CW Preliminary Round (14:30)

Preliminary Round South Tyneside FC vs Darlington RA U23 – Bents Park Pitches

Extra Preliminary Round (Postponed): Spennymoor Town Youth vs Washington FC Reserves – Whitworth Park