Match Preview: South Shields v Bishop’s Stortford

South Shields face off against Bishop's Stortford at the 1st Cloud Arena in the Vanarama National League North.

Elliott Dickman's South Shields are looking to put their Easter Monday defeat behind them as Bishop's Stortford make the long trip up to the North East.

Shields suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Curzon Ashton on Monday, as Isaac Sinclair bagged a brace for the home side.

Although the result put the Mariners outside the play-off places on goal difference, the focus is keeping the race tight at the top with a home advantage against Bishop's Stortford.

Stortford are already relegated from the Vanarama National League North, only picking up 20 points so far this season.

The two sides met back in early January, as Shields came from behind thanks to two late Michael Woods goals at the ProKit UK Stadium.

The midfielder celebrates his 34th birthday against the same opponents on Saturday.

Stortford's joint-top scorers are midfielder Ryan Charles and full-back Tosin Olufemi, neither of whom featured in the reverse fixture.

Darren Foxley scored back in January and also scored in Stortford's last fixture against Banbury on Monday.

Victory could see Shields go as high as fifth place depending on other results.

Elliott's Thoughts

Elliott Dickman is not downplaying the intensity that this game will bring just because the opponents are relegated.

The Shields Head Coach has reiterated the challenge ahead of Shields and does not expect an easy afternoon.

"There is no such thing [as an easy game].

"We can't be complacent, we can't just assume that because they have been relegated they're going to turn up at our place and it's going to be a comfortable, easy game.

"We've got to do what we do, we have to focus on what we're about"

Team News

Dillon Morse is still unavailable due to an injury to his knee.

Paul Blackett was unavailable for selection on Easter Monday due to a broken metacarpal, it is unseen yet if he will be available for Saturday's game.

Information for Supporters

This match will take place at the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday, April 6th at 15:00.

Doors open at 12:30.

Supporters can pay for tickets on the turnstiles or can purchase discounted tickets online here.