Pre-Season Match Preview: Ashington vs South Shields

South Shields will reach the halfway mark in their pre-season games programme after Tuesday’s fixture away to Ashington.

The Mariners have taken plenty of positives from their three outings so far, against Berwick Rangers, Blyth Spartans and Barrow.

They are now aiming to make further progress against an Ashington side which is among the favourites to win the Northern League title this season.

The Colliers, formed in 1883, finished eighth last time out but have bolstered their squad during the summer and include former Shields players Lee Mason, Darren Lough and Ben Harmison among their ranks, as well as Blyth Spartans favourites Robbie Dale and Dan Maguire, and goalkeeper Kyle Hayes, who won promotion with Consett last season.

Ashington are managed by Ian Skinner and have won three of their four pre-season games so far, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Their Woodhorn Lane ground holds fond memories for Mariners supporters. It was the venue the club sealed the Northern League title in 2017 with a 4-1 victory.

Team news

The game is expected to come too soon for Callum Ross (knee), Dillon Morse (groin) and JJ Hooper (hamstring).

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Woodhorn Lane – which has a post code of NE63 9FW – is at 7.30pm.

Admission is £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and students, and £1 for under-16s.

Supporters can pay at the turnstiles or secure a ticket in advance by clicking here.

Due to expected high temperatures, Ashington are to offer free bottled water on entry to the ground tonight while stocks last.

Image: Ian Kelsey.