Match Preview: South Shields v Chorley

Shields require a boost at home as Chorley travel to the First Cloud Arena in back-to-back home games.

South Shields return to action in the Vanarama National League North on Tuesday night and welcome Chorley.

The last result was one to forget for the Mariners as they came out on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat to playoff-bound Brackley Town.

The last result could spell danger for Shields as they now face Chorley, who find themselves 3rd in the table on 68 points with a game in hand over the teams above and below them in the table.

Tuesday's visitors have won 4 of their last 5 games putting them amongst the most in-form teams in the division going into the final few games, their last loss coming back in February as they suffered a 1-0 loss away to Brackley Town.

Chorley have 2 players with more than 10 goals this year with those mentioned being Justin Johnson on 13 and Carlton Ubaezuonu on 11.

In terms of the team, they are the second-highest-scoring side in the division with 65 goals just behind 2nd place Scunthorpe United on 68.

The last time these sides faced each other was back in October when previous manager Julio Arca’s side lost away 2-1, with Paul Blackett scoring Shields’s only goal that day.

Elliott's Thoughts

Dickman will be under no illusions when it comes to how difficult Tuesday night's match will be with Shields in a bad run of form.

As one of the more attacking sides in the division, Chorley will look to overwhelm the back line at every opportunity.

“We know how dangerous they will be in front of the net on Tuesday and we need to make sure we are up to the task, I believe we can turn this form around.”

Regardless of recent form, no one can deny it has been a positive season in terms of stabilizing the club in the 6th tier.

Dickman went on to say “We are satisfied with what we have done so far but our ambition is to be more competitive.”

Paul Blackett has been pointed out as the real difference maker in the side and Dickman has described him as a “Natural Goal Scorer” in the past.

“Paul can make a huge difference on Tuesday night; he can finish with half a chance and sometimes that’s all it takes.”

Team News

Captain Blair Adams looks to start after returning to play on Saturday.

Information for Supporters

Kick-off at the 1st Cloud Arena (NE32 3UP) is at 7:45 pm on Tuesday the 12th March 2024.

Admission prices are £14 for adults, £9 for concessions, £5 for 13–16-year-olds and £3 for 12 and under. – (including online discounts.)