MATCH PREVIEW: (PLAY-OFF FINAL) KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS (H)

On Saturday, South Shields play their final game of the 2025-26 campaign, one which, if they triumph against visitors Kidderminster Harriers, could go down as a monumental season in the club’s history. 

The lunchtime kick-off sees the Mariners and the Harriers clash heads for the third time in the season and the second time in two weeks, as both look to secure their place as a National League club next season.

For the hosts, Saturday could be historical – The National League, a tier in football they have never reached since the club’s beginnings. 

However, to achieve this history, they must defeat a side they haven’t overcome this season. 

Despite this, Shields’ semi-final performance should aid them with confidence ahead of a must-win fixture. 

The hosts’ last outing saw them triumph against John McGrath’s Buxton, a Buxton side who had netted 16 times in their previous five games, as well as being undefeated within those fixtures. 

The Mariners then, not only reigning victorious over the Bucks, but also keeping a clean sheet, is something that may give them confidence before facing the Harriers, who are in immense goalscoring form.

The visitors travel to the 1st Cloud Arena, having won their semi-final by three goals, as they defeated Macclesfield in the first semi-final of the National League North’s Play-offs. 

So too, Adam Murray’s men come into the clash undefeated in seven games, scoring 18 times since their last defeat. 

One-to-watch

The Mariners, who are on the brink of history, if they are to achieve it – should look to find their superstar striker as much as possible. 

The hosts’ Paul Blackett is one of the Mariners most crucial threats to the Harriers hopes of promotion. Blackett has netted 29 goals in the league this season, as well as having slotted home the pivotal penalty in Shields' semi-final Play-off with Buxton, which was enough to see them reach the final. 

Conversely, the visitors will look to their danger man, Ryley Reynolds. The 20-year-old midfielder has picked up 11 goals in this year's campaign for the Harriers, the 11th, however, coming against the visitors in the final league fixture of the season. 

Watson and his Mariners, then, well aware of Reynolds' threat, must look to keep the midfielder quiet at all costs if they hope to seal their place in the National League. 

Highlights from South Shields' previous fixture can be viewed below. ⬇️ 

INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTERS

All drinks for this fixture will be decanted, and alcohol can be consumed during the game.

OPENING TIMES 

·                 All turnstiles are open from 10:00 AM.

• HOME FANS ARE TO USE 1&2 and 5&6 for entry

  • Home fans cannot use turnstiles 3&4
  • Home fans are to exit using 1&2 & 3&4
  • Any fans who enter via 5&6 will not be able to leave via 5&6
• AWAY FANS ARE TO USE 3&4 ON ENTRY
• AWAY FANS ARE TO USE 5&6 ON EXIT

·  The main entrance is open for box holders at 10:00 AM

Bars 

·                 New Stand Bar: 10:00 AM –  Close

·                 Club House: 10:00 AM- Close

·                 Marquee: 10:00 AM – Close

Food 

·                 Fanzone / 10:00 AM- FT

·                 Kiosk / 10:00 AM – FT 

– Burger Van (AWAY FANS) – 10:00 AM – FT 

·                 Dicksons Kiosk / 10:00 AM – FT 

·                 Kets N Pop: 10:00 AM – FT

CLUB SHOP

The Club Shop, stocked with our 25/26 Home and Away kit and Goalkeeper kit, located in the Wolf Competitions Stand near Turnstiles 1 and 2, will be open from 10:00 AM – KO, Half-Time, and from FT – Close. 

PARKING 

Limited, unreserved parking is available on Shaftesbury Avenue. It is recommended to arrive early to secure your place.

TRAVEL 

The nearest Metro is Bede, a five-minute walk to the Turnstiles.