Match Preview: South Shields vs Peterborough Sports

The Mariners return from an enforced three-week break from league action when they take on Peterborough Sports on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

It is the final game at 1st Cloud Arena before Christmas, and Shields will be aiming to return to winning ways after losing 1-0 to Chester last time out.

Peterborough Sports are one of two teams third-placed Shields have beaten on their travels so far this season, having won 4-2 at PIMS Park in September.

Luke Steele and Michael Gash's side have improved markedly since then, though, and are three points clear of the relegation places as the season's halfway point nears.

Manager's thoughts

Shields manager Julio Arca is expecting a difficult match at 1st Cloud Arena.

He said: “It’s at times like these you need to utilise your squad, and that will be important on Saturday, because Peterborough Sports have changed their style and improved their results since we played them in September. 

“They look like a different team and are playing better football. 

“They’re not as direct as they were earlier in the season and although they’re still not in the position they’d like to be in the table, that doesn’t reflect the way they have been playing recently. 

“They will present another tough challenge for us and we will need to perform at our best to get the result we want.” 

The Mariners played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough’s Under-21s during their break from league action, with an entertaining game ending in a 4-3 win for Boro. 

Team news

Shields remain without forward Joao Gomes on Saturday after he underwent surgery on a knee injury. 

Martin Smith is also unavailable due to suspension, with the midfielder having collected five yellow cards in the league. 

There are doubts over defender Tom Broadbent and striker Aaron Martin. 

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.

There is no segregation in place for this fixture.

A Christmas party will be held after the game in the marquee, from 6pm.

There will be a DJ and karaoke, and all are invited to come along and join in the festive spirit. There is no charge and walk-ins are welcome, but tables can be booked by sending an email to events@southshieldsfc.co.uk. At the party, pints of Birra Moretti will be reduced to £3.80.