NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs Gainsborough Trinity

South Shields welcome Gainsborough Trinity to 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday as they look to build on their unbeaten start to the Pitching In Northern Premier League season (7.45pm kick-off).

Both teams have collected five points from their opening three games, having secured an opening day victory followed by two draws.

Gainsborough, under the joint management of Neal Bishop and Damon Parkinson, impressively won 3-0 at Warrington Rylands in their first game, with new signing Clayton Donaldson among the scorers.

They have since drawn at home with Hyde United and Stafford Rangers, 1-1 and 0-0 respectively.

Shields, meanwhile, followed up their 2-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic on the opening day with a 1-1 draw at Ashton United and 2-2 tie at Marine.

The two meetings between the teams last season saw the Mariners defeat Gainsborough 3-1 at 1st Cloud Arena, with the reverse fixture ending 1-1 in April.

Manager’s views

Shields manager Kevin Phillips has been satisfied by his team’s start and is now eyeing a winning run as Shields look to generate some early momentum.

He said: “You don’t mind drawing matches, but you need to follow them up with wins.

“We’ve had two away games and two long trips, and a win on Tuesday would make those two draws look a lot better.

“A lot of people will criticise those results and say we should have won the games, but football isn’t that simple.

“We’re a scalp to everyone and have to deal with that pretty quickly.

“The players are disappointed we didn’t win the game on Saturday and have the bit between their teeth.

“I’m sure their reaction on the pitch will be positive, like it always is.”

Team news

Shields are expecting to have Will McGowan back available on Tuesday after he missed Saturday’s match with a shoulder injury.

Tom Broadbent is nearing a return, but Saturday’s trip to Nantwich Town is viewed as a more realistic comeback date.

The Mariners remain without JJ Hooper, Cedric Main and Callum Ross, and they are assessing Mackenzie Heaney after he picked up a knock at Marine.

Dillon Morse is building his match fitness after a groin injury with minutes for the club’s Academy.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and admission prices – which can be paid at the turnstiles – are £12 for adults, £9 for students, over-65s and disabled supporters, £5 for those aged 12 to 16 and £3 for under-12s.

Tickets can be purchased before 5pm by clicking here and supporters are advised that the facility to purchase upgrades to sit in either stand is no longer available after the turnstiles have opened. To sit in either stand, a ticket must be purchased in advance.

The turnstiles will open at 5.30pm.

A match programme, packed with content, is available to purchase for £3 and also acts as a raffle ticket, with one lucky programme holder to win a hospitality package for two people at a future home game, which has been donated by a shareholder. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.