NPL Match Preview: Whitby Town vs South Shields

South Shields head to Whitby Town on Monday knowing a win would secure promotion to National League North (3pm kick-off).

Saturday's 3-2 victory over Nantwich Town moved the Mariners eight points clear at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League with three games to play.

Two more points would secure the league title and with it, the one automatic promotion slot.

There is still work to be done, though, and a difficult encounter is expected against Whitby, who recovered from a slow start to the season and look set to comfortably avoid relegation.

The reverse meeting between the sides was held on Boxing Day, when Shields ran out 4-2 winners on an entertaining afternoon at 1st Cloud Arena.

Manager's views

Shields manager Kevin Phillips has again warned against complacency, but he has belief his players will handle the pressure of the finishing line.

He said: "The job is definitely not done, but we know what we need to do.

"It's about preparing mentally and physically, and I'm sure a lot of fans will travel down with us to help.

"The pressure will be on us again, but we dealt with it well on Saturday and we have enough experience in the squad to do it again in what will be a difficult game."

A crowd of over 2,700 cheered Shields to victory against Nantwich and a sizeable travelling support is expected to back them again on Monday.

Phillips added: "The fans have been magnificent all season.

"It's never easy and we know there is pressure, so we need the crowd more than ever on Monday.

"The fans were excellent on Saturday and I'm sure they'll travel to Whitby in their droves.

"Hopefully we'll be able to give them something to celebrate."

Team news

Ade Shokunbi is expected to miss out after being forced off during the Nantwich game with an injury, and Michael Woods continues to be sidelined by a knee injury.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground - which has a post code of YO21 3HZ - is at 3pm.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here, or at the turnstiles at a price of £11 for adults, £7 for concessions, £3 for under-18s and free for under-16s with a paying adult.

Supporters who are unable to make it to the game can listen to live commentary on the Mariners Live Mixlr page by clicking here.