Match Preview: Leek Town vs South Shields

South Shields take on Leek Town on Saturday as they bid for a place in the final qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup (12.30pm kick-off).

The third qualifying round tie is being shown live on the BBC Red Button, iPlayer and website, with Shields looking for a second successive victory on the road having won 4-2 at Peterborough Sports last Saturday.

The Mariners had to battle to a 2-0 win over Bishop Auckland in the previous round, and now face a similarly tricky test against a Leek team which is 12th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division, two tiers below the Mariners.

Julio's thoughts

Shields manager Julio Arca felt last week's win was ‘massive’ for his side, and hopes they can now follow up their excellent league form when they travel to Staffordshire.

Arca said: “We’re in a good position in the league, but we’re going step by step.

“Last Saturday was massive for us to get a win, and now we can concentrate on the cup, which we want to have a good run in.”

On the extra attention the BBC coverage will bring, Arca added: “It’s great for the club, the players and everyone involved.

“We’re going to approach the game the same way we do in the league.

“It has been good to have a full week to recover and work on different things, and hopefully we get another good result on Saturday.”

Shields relied on two late goals to see off Bishop Auckland in the previous round, and are again aiming to avoid an upset against Leek.

Arca said: “The Bishop Auckland game shows you that anything can happen in cup ties.

“People sometimes think that because of the gap between the leagues it should be comfortable, but it’s not like that.

“Teams want to show what they’re capable of and that they can compete with us, so we’re expecting a hard game.”

Team news

Tom Broadbent and Paul Blackett are doubts for the Mariners, who hope to have an otherwise full-strength squad to choose from.

Information for supporters

The match is all-ticket, and is being held at the F Ball Community Stadium, which has a post code of ST13 8LD.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here and are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for concessions (over-65s and students in full-time education), £3 for under-18s and £1 for under-8s.

Under-18s and under-8s must be accompanied by a full paying adult or concession, and online purchases are restricted to four tickets per person, including a maximum of two under-18 or under=8s tickets.

The club has been advised that there is no on-site parking for supporters' coaches or cars. Parking is available within the industrial/retail park where Sainsbury's is situated, next to the ground.

Supporters can watch the game at 1st Cloud Arena by booking a table. Tables are available by emailing info@southshieldsfc.co.uk.