Match Preview: South Shields vs King's Lynn Town

South Shields host King's Lynn Town at 1st Cloud Arena as the Mariners aim to return to winning ways in Vanarama National League North on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Shields have drawn their last two matches in the league, most recently against Warrington Town last Saturday.

They are up against a King's Lynn team which climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory at Darlington under new manager Adam Lakeland.

The pitch at 1st Cloud Arena passed a precautionary pitch inspection on Friday morning, and should there be any change before the game, the club will communicate any updates.

Julio's thoughts

Shields manager Julio Arca is pleased with the way his side responded to last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Warrington in training.

He said: "We felt we dropped two points last Saturday after letting a two-goal lead slip, but the reaction from the players was good this week.

“Now we’ve got another big match against King’s Lynn, and they’re a team with a new manager who will come here confident after their victory at Darlington.

“As always, we will have to be at our best to get the three points, and if we do that we will be in a good position.”

Arca has also reminded his players not to take much notice of the current standings ahead of Saturday’s game.

He added: “The league table doesn’t mean much, because we know how difficult this league is and that anyone can beat anyone.

“The main thing is finding some consistency and if you can’t win all three points, at least get one, which we’ve done recently.

“We have an idea of how King’s Lynn will play, but we have to concentrate on the things we can do to hurt them.”

Team news

Shields are set to be without forward Joao Gomes, who is awaiting the results of a scan on a knee injury.

Information for supporters

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

The Liverpool vs Everton fixture in the Premier League, which kicks off at 12.30pm, will be shown in the bars at 1st Cloud Arena, as will the Chelsea vs Arsenal match at 5.30pm.

There will be a £1 discount on all draught pints purchased between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, and 5pm to 6pm.

There is no segregation in place for this fixture.