Match Preview: South Shields vs Hereford

South Shields return to Vanarama National League North action on Saturday when they welcome Hereford to 1st Cloud Arena (3pm kick-off).

The Mariners are level on points with leaders Tamworth having enjoyed an impressive start to the season, and have won all six of their home matches in all competitions so far.

Hereford are on a three-match winning streak and are 16th in the table, with a record of four victories, one draw and five defeats.

This is the first competitive meeting between the clubs.

Julio's thoughts

Shields manager Julio Arca is looking for a reaction from his side following last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Leek Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

He said: "It goes without saying that last week’s game was very disappointing for us.

“We prepared well and went there with a winning mentality, as we do in every game, but it was one of those days when we didn’t seem to get going.

“The good thing with football is that sometimes within a matter of days, or certainly a week, there is an opportunity for revenge, if you want to put it like that.

“The lads know that we need to react to what happened last Saturday, and hopefully everyone learns from that experience to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Hereford will arrive in South Tyneside in good form, and manager Paul Caddis will now be looking for his side to climb the table. Arca is aware of the threat they pose.

He added: “Hereford are probably not in the position they want to be in the table, but they have won their last three games and have signed some good players recently.

“They seem to be in good physical shape and are pressing high, so they are going to provide a big test for us.

“We have confidence every time we step out at 1st Cloud Arena, and it is excellent to still have a 100% home record, but we must put in another strong performance to have a chance of collecting the three points."

Team news

Shields are aiming to welcome back Tom Broadbent for the meeting with Hereford, and are hoping to have a fully-fit squad elsewhere after illness swept through many of the players in the lead-up to the Leek match.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 3pm and the turnstiles open at 12.30pm.

Tickets are available to purchase until 12pm on Saturday by clicking here, with online tickets priced at £14 for adults, £9 for students and over-65s, £5 for children aged 13 to 16 and £3 for children aged 12 and under. There is an additional £2 charge to sit.

Tickets are available to purchase at the turnstiles on matchday, when standing prices will increase to £15 for adults and £10 for students and over-65s. Cash and card will be accepted.

There is no segregation in place for this fixture.

Meanwhile, a new matchday offer for students is available at this match from the Fanzone. On production of a valid student ID, a pint of Carling and a pie of the student's choice can be purchased for £5. This offer is subject to availability and operated on a first-come, first-served basis.