Match Preview: Southport vs South Shields

South Shields head to Merseyside on Saturday as they take on Southport in Vanarama National League North (3pm kick-off).

The Mariners will be aiming for a third consecutive win following back-to-back 1-0 victories at 1st Cloud Arena over Tamworth and Buxton.

Shields are level on points with Tamworth at the top of the table and now go in search of their second away win of the campaign.

Southport are managed by Jim Bentley and are 17th in the table following their 3-3 draw with Blyth Spartans on Tuesday.

Julio's thoughts

Shields manager Julio Arca feels his side take 'momentum' into Saturday's game.

He said: "We keep saying to the lads that what we’ve been doing at 1st Cloud Arena is fantastic.

“Our home record is really good and we need to improve away now.

“Saturday is another big game for us after the two wins at home.

“We need to take the momentum into this match and hopefully put in a good performance and get three points.

“Every game is difficult in this league, but we’ve prepared exactly the same as usual and feel as confident as we can be.”

Arca was impressed with his team in Tuesday’s game against Buxton, when a second half header from Paul Blackett was enough to deliver the three points.

He added: “I thought our performance was consistent. We did the basic things right and created enough to win the game.

“We had spells when we played better football, but we also had to work very hard and we did that.

“This team is showing that when we need to work hard, we will do that, and we have great team spirit.”

Team news

Shields remain without Joao Gomes as the forward continues his recovery from a knee injury. Michael Woods and Martin Smith are doubts.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at The Big Help Stadium – which has a post code of PR8 6JZ – is at 3pm and admission prices are from £13.50 for adults, £10 for those aged 65 and over and full-time students, £5 for children aged 12 to 17 and free for children aged under 12.

There are additional charges for seats, and there is a a discount available for those who purchase tickets in advance from Southport’s website. To do so, click here.

Match commentary will be available on the Mariners Live Mixlr channel from 2.50pm on Saturday. Click here to access it.