MATCH PREVIEW: BEDFORD TOWN (H)

This Saturday sees South Shields welcome Bedford Town to the 1st Cloud Arena for the hosts final home clash of the season. 

The Mariners, who have performed superb on home soil for a large majority of the season, look to pick up their 29th league win against Lee Bircham’s Eagles, who have won just five times on the road this campaign.

The visitors, too, sit 18th in the league, just five points clear of the relegation zone, meaning that the penultimate clash of the season could prove crucial for both sides on Saturday. 

One-to-watch

Watson’s Mariners who come into the game as confident as ever, must still remain focused as the visitors are as capable as ever, in terms of goalscoring. Bircham’s side have netted 64 times in the league this season, eight of which have came in their previous five outings. 

The main threat, and source of a goal however, could be through their star man, Josh Castiglione. Castiglione has proved crucial in previous weeks for the Eagles, aiding them with the opener in a vital 3-1 victory against Leamington as well as bagging Bedford’s second goal against Hereford on Saturday. 

In contrast, a player to watch from the majestic Mariners would have to be Sean McGurk. McGurk, like Castiglione, has proved to be a vital part of the Shields’ squad, however more recently McGurk has been a goalscoring machine. 

The tricky winger, struck twice in the hosts last rampant outing against Macclesfield, as well as adding his name on the scoresheet in the Mariners latest away riot against Radcliffe FC. 

Homefans at the 1st Cloud then, will be hoping that McGurk can continue with this tremendous form.

A further reason the hosts will be confident going into the game, is due to the reverse fixture. It was just the fifth game of the campaign when the Mariners travelled to the New Eyrie stadium, and triumphed thanks to Will Jenkins' second-half winner. 

Last time out 

Highlights from South Shields' latest victory can be viewed below. ⬇️ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hp37sJETzM

INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTERS

Tickets can be purchased here, using our TicketCo system!

It is advised to arrive at the ground as early as possible to avoid queuing, and we ask that fans please be patient with our staff and turnstile operators, as this is a new system we are using.

OPENING TIMES 

Pay on the gate is available

·                 All turnstiles are open from 12.30PM.

· The main entrance is open for box holders at 12.30PM

Bars 

·                 New Stand Bar: 12.30PM –  Close

·                 Club House: 12.30PM -Close

·                 Marquee: 12.30PM - Close

Food 

·                 Fanzone / 12.30PM - FT

·                 Kiosk / 12.30PM – FT 

·                 Dicksons Kiosk / 12.30PM– FT 

·                 Kets N Pop: 12.30PM  – FT

CLUB SHOP

The Club Shop, stocked with our new 25/26 Home and Away kit and Goalkeeper kit, located in the Wolf Competitions Stand near Turnstiles 1 and 2, will be open from 12.30PM – 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. More parking is available on Bedesway, with access via Turnstile 5. 

TRAVEL 

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