Match Preview: South Shields v Southport

South Shields host Southport in the climax of the Vanarama National League North season with eyes still on the play-offs.

Elliott Dickman's South Shields are still in the play-off race going into the final day of the season as Southport travel to the North East.

Defeat for the Mariners away to Tamworth took the race out of their hands as results elsewhere saw Brackley secure fifth place.

The result, however, was overshadowed by an accident on the road involving a minibus of South Shields supporters who were rushed to hospital.

The Club understand that the vast majority are now out of care, and wish the speediest of recoveries.

Southport will be without top-scorer Marcus Carver who is suspended after picking up a red card after a draw with Farsley Celtic.

The Sandgrounders have won two games in their last seven games including Saturday's victory against Rushall Olympic courtesy of a Tyler Walton brace.

The sides have met twice before this campaign, both in November at the Big Help Stadium when Julio Arca was manager.

Southport won both times, 4-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Victory for Shields could see them climb into the play-off places, however it may come down to other results.

Curzon Ashton are away to Bishop's Stortford and Boston away to Hereford.

Spennymoor are also in with a shout of clinching play-offs, hosting King's Lynn.

If Shields draw, Boston and Spennymoor would have to lose in order for play-offs.

Elliott's Thoughts

Southport are out of both relegation and play-off battles, but Elliott Dickman is still adamant that they will pose a threat.

"I think [Southport] will want to make it difficult for us, they'll want to spoil our opportunity and I think they'll want to put a marker in the sand to be able to say that 'we've stopped South Shields'.

"But we've got to focus on us, make sure that we are fresh both physically and mentally.

"Knowing this group of players and the staff behind them, I know that's what we will be like.

He also understands the importance of the home backing for Saturday's game

"They (the supporters) have been brilliant, they've been right behind the team and we really really appreciate it.

"They'll be vital.

"Hopefully we get a good crowd on Saturday which will get behind us and be positive with us.

"If we can put a performance on like we've done in recent games, hopefully we can get the right result for them."

Team News

Dan Savage is available for selection after his injury against Bishop's Stortford.

Information for Supporters

This fixture will take place at the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday April 20th at 15:00.

Tickets can be purchased here.

The game will be segregated and away supporters are advised to bring cash as the away zone will be cash only.