South Shields begin a sequence of six away trips in their next seven games when they travel to Warrington Rylands on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Mariners head to Lancashire having won their last four matches to establish an eight-point lead at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.
Their most recent outing saw them defeat Liversedge 5-2 in an entertaining encounter on Tuesday, but tough tests lie ahead as they aim to bolster their promotion credentials.
Rylands won promotion last season and are 10th in the table, four points adrift of the play-off positions.
The reverse fixture between the teams was hard-fought and ended in a 1-0 win for the Mariners in October, with Robert Briggs netting the only goal late on.
Manager's views
Shields manager Kevin Phillips is aware of the threat Rylands pose.
He said: “It will be a big test, as it was at home against them.
“They will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in midweek, and there’s probably no better game for them than to play the league leaders at their own ground.
“We’ve played a lot of football of late and have got some travelling coming up now, so I’ve got to try to utilise the whole squad if I can.
“We’re in great form and full of confidence, so we go to Warrington Rylands looking forward to the game and the challenge ahead.”
On the battle for places, Phillips said: “Every player wants to play minutes, of course.
“I understand what it’s like for them because I’ve been there.
“I’ve got to try to manage that right and keep everyone happy for the run-in.
“All I can ask from the players is to be patient, because things happen and opportunities emerge."
Team news
Jordan Hunter limped out of Tuesday's win over Liversedge with a groin injury which is expected to keep him out on Saturday.
Dillon Morse could be back available, though, after resuming training following a back complaint.
Information for supporters
Kick-off at Gorsey Lane – which has a post code of WA2 7RZ – is at 3pm, and admission prices are £10 for adults, £7 for those aged 65 and over, and aged 16 to 18, and £2 for under-16s. ID may be required at the turnstiles.
Admission can be paid for at the turnstiles, but tickets are available in advance by clicking here.
Supporters who are unable to travel to the game can listen to live commentary on the Mariners Live Mixlr channel by clicking here.
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