NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs Liversedge

South Shields welcome Liversedge to 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday as they complete a run of three home matches (7.45pm kick-off).

Shields made it three consecutive wins on Saturday as they overcame Lancaster City 2-0, a result which moved them five points clear at the top of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Tuesday's opponents are bottom of the table after losing 3-1 to relegation rivals Belper Town on Saturday, but have several games in hand on many of those around them.

The reverse fixture between the teams ended in a 1-0 victory for the Mariners, with Michael Woods scoring the only goal late on.

Manager's views

Liversedge have won promotion in each of the last two seasons, but have found life difficult in the NPL Premier Division.

Shields manager Kevin Phillips has insisted they are not a team to be taken lightly, though.

He said: "Games like these are always difficult, and you have to ignore the league table going into them.

"We can’t underestimate Liversedge, because this league has already shown that anyone can beat anyone if you’re not at it.

"They will try to be tough to break down and hit us with counters or set plays, because they’re quite a physical team, but that’s not something we haven’t dealt with already this season.

"As always, we will give them respect, but we will concentrate on what we do and aim to replicate some of what we’ve shown in the last two games, when some of our football has been outstanding.”

Phillips has praised the club’s supporters for their backing in such a hectic period.

He added: “This is our third home fixture in a week and huge credit goes to our supporters for backing us during this run.

“Times are difficult financially and them turning up in their droves so often is hugely appreciated, and a massive help for the players.

“We’d like to think we are rewarding them with our performances and hopefully we can do that again on Tuesday.

“We aren’t getting carried away with our position and there’s a lot of football to be played, so we have a big job to do.

“With the players, management and fans united, we are such a strong force, so it’s important we all stick together and do whatever we can to make this a successful run-in to the end of the season.”

Team news

Shields remain without defender Dillon Morse as he continues his recovery from a back injury. Phillips is hoping to have him in contention for Saturday’s trip to Warrington Rylands.

No other injury concerns have been reported ahead of the game against Liversedge.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and the turnstiles open at 5.30pm.

Admission prices are £12 for adults, £9 for students and over-65s, £5 for children aged 13 to 16, and £3 for those aged 12 and under. There is an additional £2 charge to sit and tickets are available to purchase until 5pm on Tuesday by clicking here.

Supporters can also pay at the turnstiles. Turnstile 2 will accept cash, with all other turnstiles to accept card only. There is no segregation in place at this fixture and if any supporter would like to upgrade to a seat on matchday, they can do so for a £2 charge at the hut next to turnstile 1 and 2.

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 four tickets for our game against Matlock Town on February 18th. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.