Match Preview: South Shields vs Scarborough Athletic

The familiar opposition of Scarborough Athletic travel to 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday as South Shields face their second home game in Vanarama National League North (3pm kick-off).

The Mariners' promotion in 2022-23 means they are divisional rivals of Scarborough for the sixth time in seven seasons, having previously come up against each other in both Northern Premier League tiers.

Scarborough missed out on the play-offs on goal difference last season and have started 2023-24 with two wins from three.

Shields, meanwhile, have collected four points from their three fixtures, and drew 1-1 with Farsley Celtic in their most recent outing on Tuesday.

Julio's thoughts

Mariners manager Julio Arca has been satisfied with the performance levels of his players in the season’s opening weeks, although he feels there is plenty of scope for improvement.

He said: “This is our second home match, and it’s obvious how important our form there is going to be this season.

“Our pitch suits the way we play very well, and we have to be strong at home. We have a brilliant fanbase on our side which provides us with the 12th man, which always helps us.

“There is a long season ahead, but we feel we are in a good place.

“I think we can see plenty of progress in our team, with players understanding each other more, but we can get a lot better still.

“We have a good quality group of players and apart from that, they can show the other side of the game, as they did at Farsley.”

Form guide

Shields have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three fixtures, having beaten Alfreton Town 3-1 on the opening day and lost by the same scoreline to Boston United, before a stoppage time equaliser denied them a victory in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Farsley Celtic.

Scarborough started with a 1-0 defeat at Peterborough Sports but responded with back-to-back home wins, beating Banbury United 3-0 and Blyth Spartans 1-0 with a last-gasp goal.

Team news

Shields are hoping to have a near to full-strength squad to select from, despite picking up a number of slight knocks in midweek.

They are bolstered by the return of midfielder Michael Woods, who made his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury on Tuesday.

Information for supporters

Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 3pm and the turnstiles will open at 12.30pm.

Tickets are available to purchase until 12pm on Saturday by clicking here, with online tickets priced at £14 for adults, £9 for students and over-65s, £5 for children aged 13 to 16 and £3 for children aged 12 and under. There is an additional £2 charge to sit.

Tickets are available to purchase at the turnstiles on matchday, when standing prices will increase to £15 for adults and £10 for students and over-65s. Cash and card will be accepted.

Segregation is in place, with home supporters able to enter through turnstiles 1, 2, 5 and 6, and away fans directed to turnstiles 3 and 4.