NPL Match Preview: Marske United vs South Shields

South Shields are due to travel to Marske United on Tuesday – should the Pitching In Northern Premier League match beat the cold snap (7.45pm kick-off).

The entire weekend's action in the division was called off due to the freezing conditions, and there are sure to be doubts over the midweek schedule too.

Kevin Phillips and his players have been preparing for the meeting with Marske, though, as they bid to beat the Seasiders for the second time this season.

The Mariners defeated Marske 5-2 in the Emirates FA Cup, although the North Yorkshire-based side have since appointed former Tadcaster Albion and Gainsborough Trinity boss Curtis Woodhouse as manager.

Marske are 19th in the NPL heading into Tuesday's game, with Shields top of the standings.

Manager's views

Phillips has been trying to make the most of the enforced break on the training ground, but admits his team is desperate to get back on the pitch at Marske.

He said: “We were frustrated not to play on Saturday, but of course we understand the country is being hit by a cold snap and it’s out of everyone’s control.

“We wanted the chance to quickly get back in action after the disappointment of the final few minutes against Ashton in our last game, and to hopefully record a good result and performance.

“I’ve always said that the beauty of this league is that there’s normally another game just around the corner, but we’ve had to wait this time.

“It has given us time to reflect and work on things on the training ground, and the players are in a good place.”

Phillips says his team is ready to face an improved Marske outfit.

He added: “I expect Marske to be more organised now under a new manager with good experience.

“It will be a tougher contest than the one we experienced in the cup at home, but I’ve always said it’s about what we do.

“If we go there and play to our capabilities in a similar manner to our performance at Radcliffe a couple of weeks ago, we’ll have a really good chance.”

Team news

Shields are hoping for a clean bill of health, with players who had been carrying knocks having had time on the training field to regain some sharpness.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at Mount Pleasant – which has a post code of TS11 7BW – is at 7.45pm.

Admission prices are £11 for adults, £6 for over-65s and students, and £4 for under-16s. Supporters can pay at the turnstiles or secure a ticket in advance by clicking here.