Match Preview: Alfreton Town vs South Shields

South Shields take on play-off chasing Alfreton Town in their next Vanarama National League North game this Saturday (3pm kick-off). 

The Mariners travel to Alfreton off the back of a thrilling 2-3 comeback win against bottom of the league Bishop’s Stortford and they hope to take that confidence into the weekend’s tie.

Michael Woods’ late brace ended a winless streak of eight matches, which stretched back to the 2-5 victory against Spennymoor Town back in November.

Alfreton sit just one point outside of the play-off places, with two games in hand over Hereford and Curzon Ashton just above them.

A win for Shields on Saturday would see them leapfrog The Reds and it could launch the Mariners back into the play-off fight. 

Elliott’s thoughts

Interim manager Elliott Dickman picked up his first win last time out, and he hopes that win instills some confidence into the squad with a competitive spell of games ahead of them. 

He said: “The result against Bishop’s Stortford hopefully helps breed some confidence within the group. 

“To be fair, the players have trained really well since, and the result has helped with confidence and with team morale and all credit to the players for that.

“They’ve been excellent - they were excellent on the night, especially the second half and they’ve continued that into this 11-day programme that we’ve had.” 

Team news

John Lufudu is back from illness, while Shields are still missing Dillon Morse, as well as Luke James. 

Jordy Mongoy has gone out on loan to Spennymoor Town now, so will not be part of the squad. 

Information for supporters

Kick-off at the Impact Arena (DE55 7GA) is at 3pm this Saturday, 20th January. 

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 for concessions (over 65s, those between 16 and 21 as well as students with a valid student card) and £3 for under 16s - supporters can buy a ticket by clicking here.