NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs Hyde United

Leaders Hyde United visit 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday as South Shields return to Pitching In Northern Premier League action (7.45pm kick-off).

The Mariners’ Emirates FA Cup journey came to a gallant end on Saturday as they were beaten 2-0 by League One side Forest Green Rovers in the first round in front of the BBC cameras.

The big games continue to come for Shields, who will be aiming to close the gap at the top of the table to two points by claiming a victory.

Shields have three matches in hand on Hyde and have played at least four games fewer than every other side above them in the table, with just 10 points separating the top 16 sides in the division.

Hyde are managed by Nick Spooner and sit in first position after winning 3-1 at Liversedge on Saturday.

Manager’s views

Mariners manager Kevin Phillips said: “This is a hugely important match for us in terms of our league ambitions.

“I’ve said many times that the league is the most important thing for us this season, and it’s back to the bread and butter of trying to win points against Hyde.

“The lads are really determined to produce a positive result and performance.

“We’re in for a very tough test against a team that is flying in our league, and we have to get back on the horse in what I believe is our biggest game of the season so far.

“Hyde are top of the table and deserve to be where they are, but if we can pick up where we left off in the second half on Saturday, not many teams in our league will be able to live with us.”

A record 1st Cloud Arena crowd of 3,800 watched Shields take on Forest Green, and Phillips feels the fans will be crucial again as his team take on Hyde.

He added: “The fans were magnificent on Saturday, and I urge them to really get behind the team again on Tuesday, because it’s a massive help to the players.

“We had an amazing run in the FA Cup and everyone connected to the club deserved the massive occasion on Saturday, but it’s time to forget about that now, because it’s back to the business of trying to win matches in this league.

“Our home form has been fantastic for a long time, and we want to continue that against Hyde and in the run of matches we’ve got coming up at 1st Cloud Arena.

“The crowd will undoubtedly play a big part in helping us, and hopefully it will prove to be a successful evening.”

Team news

Shields remain without striker Sam Hodgson and there is a doubt over midfielder Callum Ross (back), but forward Will Russ is available again after missing Saturday’s match due to being cup-tied.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and admission prices are from £12 for adults, £9 for students and over-65s, £5 for those aged 13 to 16, and £3 for under-12s. There is an extra £2 charge for seats, which must be purchased in advance.

Tickets can be bought before 5pm on Tuesday by clicking here, but fans can also pay at the turnstiles, which open at 5.30pm.

Turnstile 2 will accept cash, with all other turnstiles to accept card only. There is no segregation in place at this fixture.

Happy Hour pricing will be in operation in all bars between 5.30pm and 7pm.

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 a signed SSFC women’s shirt. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.