NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs FC United

South Shields host FC United of Manchester on Tuesday in their first home game in almost a month (7.45pm kick-off).

The Mariners' last four matches have been on the road, but they return to 1st Cloud Arena as they aim to extend their 11-point advantage at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Kevin Phillips' side are unbeaten in their last 11 matches, and have eight fixtures remaining as they aim to win promotion.

Tuesday will see them come up against an FC United side winless in their last five games.

However, Neil Reynolds' men inflicted Shields' first defeat of the season in the reverse fixture in October, scoring two late goals to seal a 2-1 victory.

Manager's views

Shields manager Phillips is hoping for a bumper attendance to help inspire his side under the lights.

He said: "We know we’ll receive excellent backing again and I’m hoping for a really good crowd and atmosphere, with FC United expected to bring plenty of fans up too.

"I’m confident the players will rise to the occasion as they usually do, and it should be a cracking evening and game.

"Our motivation is to try to put a bit more daylight between us and the chasing pack, and we want to take advantage of our game in hand, which is something we struggled to do last season.

"The table is looking good but our job is to take care of each match in turn, because we can only impact what is in front of us.

"We can’t look any further than this game, because we know a win would improve our position and take us a step closer to where we want to be.”

Phillips insists Shields should not read too much into FC United’s recent results.

He added: “There’s no doubt FC United are a good team who will be looking to cause us problems in this game.

“They were beaten 1-0 by Atherton Collieries on Saturday and will be something of a wounded animal after that, so we have to be ready for the threat they pose.

“We respect them and know that despite their tough run of form, they’re a good side who we will need to play well against to overcome.

“I’ve said it many times this season, but it’s mainly about what we do and we go into the game with confidence having recovered well since Saturday’s match.”

Team news

Shields are hoping Dillon Morse will be available for the game, with Sam Hodgson also making progress in his recovery from injury.

Despite a number of players picking up knocks in Saturday's match, they are all expected to be passed fit to face FC United.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and the turnstiles will open at 5.30pm.

Supporters can pay for entry at the turnstiles, with tickets priced at £12 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 for a seat.

Tickets can be purchased in advance until 5pm on Tuesday by clicking here.

Tickets purchased for the original date of the match, which was due to take place in January before being postponed, are valid.

Supporters can also pay at the turnstiles. Turnstile 2 will accept cash, with all other turnstiles to accept card only. There is no segregation in place at this fixture and if any supporter would like to upgrade to a seat on matchday, they can do so for a £2 charge at the hut next to turnstile 1 and 2.

A match programme, packed with content, is available to purchase for £3 and also acts as a raffle ticket, with one lucky programme holder to win four tickets for our game against Radcliffe on March 25th. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.