NPL Match Preview: Hyde United vs South Shields

Two of the Pitching In Northern Premier League's top three go head-to-head as South Shields travel to Hyde United on Saturday in a crucial match in the promotion battle (3pm kick-off).

The Mariners are 10 points clear at the top of the table and a further point ahead of Hyde, who are third.

Both sides go into the game on the back of a defeat, with Shields' 11-match unbeaten run having been ended by FC United on Tuesday, while Hyde were beaten 1-0 by Radcliffe last Saturday.

The teams last met in November, when Hyde won 1-0 at 1st Cloud Arena. Shields have lost just three times in the league since then.

Manager's views

Shields manager Kevin Phillips is looking for a strong response from his side in Greater Manchester.

He said: "Tuesday should act as a wake-up call for us.

“I say it every week that teams raise their levels when they play against us, and that’s even more the case at this stage of the season because people want to spoil the party.

“We have enough characters in the dressing room who should be able to deal with that, but we didn’t on Tuesday.

“It’s about them standing up and being ready for the fight and the battle, because we know the way we play can hurt teams.”

As Shields aim to accumulate the points needed to seal the one automatic promotion spot in the closing stages of the season, Phillips has stressed the need for togetherness – on and off the pitch.

He added: “It’s important everyone gets behind the team now, because we need the fans more than ever.

“We were all disappointed on Tuesday, but I’ve got to be positive because I’ve got to pick the players up and go to Hyde to get a result.

“If we go there all doom and gloom we’ve got no chance, and I can’t let that happen.

“I’m urging everyone to get behind the team as we look to put on a good performance."

Team news

Shields remain without Dillon Morse (knee), with Sam Hodgson (foot) now back in training.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at the Project Solar Stadium - which has a post code of SK14 5PL - is at 3pm and admission prices are £12 for adults, £8 for concessions, £8 for those aged 17 to 18 and students, £6 for children aged 12 to 16, and £1 for under-12s.

Supporters who are unable to attend the game can listen to live commentary on the Mariners Live Mixlr channel by clicking here.