A place in the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup is at stake on Saturday when South Shields travel to Shildon (3pm kick-off).
The Mariners are on a run of five consecutive victories in all competitions, which includes a dramatic 3-2 win over Workington in the previous round.
Shildon provided a big test for Shields in last season’s FA Cup, but goals from Conor Tee, Darius Osei and Blair Adams steered the Mariners into the next round as they won 3-1.
The Railwaymen have since had a change of manager, with Daniel Moore departing to take the reins at Hebburn Town. He was replaced in the hotseat by former Crook Town boss Jamie Tunstall.
Shildon have progressed through two rounds to reach this stage, having beaten Newcastle Benfield 4-2 in the preliminary round and Penistone Church in the first qualifying round, and are 17th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division with three points from five games.
Manager’s views
Shields manager Kevin Phillips is considering making changes from the team which triumphed 2-0 at Lancaster City in midweek, but is confident that whichever squad he selects will be capable of making it six straight wins.
He said: “It’s a dilemma between wanting to stick with the same team and trying to continue the positive momentum, and freshening it up.
“We have shown in pre-season and our competitive fixtures so far that no matter who plays, we look the same as everyone knows their job and can execute it.
“It would probably be foolish of me if I didn’t freshen it up.
“Whichever team we pick, it will be a strong side and we want to go there and win.
“It’s a local derby and there’s a lot riding on it, but it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
Shields’ win at Lancaster moved them four points clear at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League, and their performance hugely impressed the manager.
Phillips added: “I was absolutely delighted with the game on Tuesday.
“We were outstanding in the first half, which was probably our best 45 minutes of football so far this season in the league.
“The football in the first half was excellent but Lancaster reacted well in the second half and threw everything at us.
“We showed another side of us after the break in terms of our battling qualities to get the clean sheet and another win, meaning we take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s game.”
Team news
Shields’ injury situation is improving, though forwards Darius Osei and JJ Hooper are set to again miss out on Saturday, with Jordan Hunter also unlikely to feature.
Midfielder Callum Ross has returned to training after a knee injury, but it remains to be seen whether Saturday’s game will come too soon for a place in the squad.
Information for supporters
Kick-off at Dean Street – which has a post code of DL4 1EZ – is at 3pm and admission prices are £9 for adults, £6 for concessions, £5 for students with a valid ID card and free for Under-14s with a paying adult.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.
If tickets do not sell out, supporters will be able to pay for their admission at the turnstiles, but only cash will be accepted.
If the game is level after 90 minutes, a replay will be held at 1st Cloud Arena in midweek.
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