NPL Match Preview: Marske United vs South Shields

South Shields make a long-awaited trip to Marske United on Saturday as they aim to maintain their excellent form in the Pitching In Northern Premier League (3pm kick-off).

The Mariners have won six and drawn two of their last eight games to establish a nine-point lead at the top of the division.

They were originally due to travel to Marske in September, only for the match to be postponed because of floodlight failure, although the sides have already met twice this season.

Shields triumphed 5-2 in an Emirates FA Cup tie in October before beating the Seasiders 4-2 in the league in January.

Marske recently reappointed Carl Jarrett as manager and are aiming to stave off relegation in their first season at this level. They go into Saturday's match in 20th position, six points adrift of safety with four games in hand.

Manager's views

Shields manager Kevin Phillips is adamant Marske will pose his side a real threat.

He said: "Marske were beaten in the closing minutes last week and have made quite a few signings with the new manager coming in.

“It will be a battle and they’ll be desperate to take points from us.

“Like Belper last week, they’re fighting for survival and need every point they can get.

“If we go there with the right attitude, determination and application, we’ll have a great chance, but if we turn up and just expect to win it won’t happen.

“We have to earn the right to win and we certainly did that at Belper.”

Team news

It remains to be seen whether defenders Tom Broadbent (calf) and Dillon Morse (knee) will recover from their injuries in time for Saturday’s game.

Striker Sam Hodgson misses out with a foot injury after returning from his loan spell at Blyth Spartans.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Mount Pleasant – which has a post code of TS11 7BW – is at 3pm and admission prices are £11 for adults, £6 for concessions and £4 for under-16s.

Tickets bought for the original fixture, which was due to be held in September, are valid. Supporters can pay at the turnstiles or purchase tickets in advance by clicking here.

The clubhouse bar will open at 1pm, with the turnstiles to open at 1.30pm.

Commentary of the game will be provided on the Mariners Mixlr channel by Chris May and Michael Manuel, with the coverage to get underway at 2.50pm. Supporters can tune in by clicking here.