MATCH PREVIEW: BUXTON (H)

This fixture is segregated

South Shields welcome John McGrath’s Bucks to the 1st Cloud Arena for a mouth-watering National League North semi-final play-off clash. 

Just one Saturday ago, the Mariners narrowly missed out on clinching the league title as they were defeated away from home against Kidderminster Harriers, despite nothing short of a valiant effort. 

This meant then, that AFC Fylde were the team to lift the title, leaving Ian Watson’s men to fight for a place in the National League via the play-offs. 

The first of their battles is against McGrath’s Buxton, who on Tuesday night dismantled Scarborough Athletic, setting up the clash with the Mariners at the 1st Cloud Arena. 

Buxton too, finished in 5th place in this years campaign, claiming 22 wins and 73 points along the way. With this in mind, Saturday could be one of the most entertaining games of the season. 

Furthermore, neither side have tasted victory in games against one another in the league, as their recent meets have seen both Watson and McGrath’s men share the spoils in each respective matches. 

One-to-watch

Despite the Mariners previous outing being a defeat, their side is jam-packed full of superstars who could grab the semi-final tie by the scruff of the neck at any given moment. One of these players however, could prove most crucial. 

Sonny Finch has proved to be one of Watson’s most pivotal players in the most crucial of fixtures. In the Mariners last three games against top eight opposition, Finch has netted twice, proving then, that when the going gets tough - Finch gets going. 

In comparison, the visitor's danger man is likely to be Luke Brennan. The winger has netted four times in his last five appearances and has a staggering 23 goal contributions in the league this season. The likes of Ethan Mann and captain Robbie Tinkler, must keep that man quiet if they are to reach the play-off final. 

Highlights from the Mariners last game can be viewed below. ⬇️ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYXB6i0Dy1E

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.