NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs Bamber Bridge
Bamber Bridge are the visitors to 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday as South Shields aim to make it three wins from three in the Pitching In Northern Premier League (7.45pm kick-off).
The Mariners secured a deserved 2-0 victory over Stafford Rangers on Saturday to move up to third in the table, four points behind leaders Gainsborough Trinity with four games in hand.
This is one of the aforementioned matches, and Kevin Phillips’ side are aware of its importance as they bid to strengthen their promotion hopes.
Shields are up against a Bamber Bridge team which started the season in fine form, but have dropped to 10th after a run of four defeats in five games.
Manager’s views
Shields manager Phillips is well aware Brig are not to be taken lightly, though, particularly given it is just a month since they won at table-topping Gainsborough.
He said: “Bamber Bridge have players with the quality to hurt any side in this league, and we’re also aware as the home team that they are likely to raise their game.
“We have to more than match that ourselves and although we’re full of confidence after our last two results, we have to be on it again.
“It has been proven on many occasions this season that anyone in this league can beat anyone, and some of the midweek results in particular have thrown up surprises.
“We don’t want to be on the wrong end of one of those and the players know how important this match is, given it is one of our games in hand.
“A victory would put us in a great position to move forward for the rest of the season, and it’s up to us to ensure we deliver that.”
Team news
Shields could hand a debut to forward Jordy Mongoy, who joined on a 28-day loan from National League side Wealdstone on the eve of the game.
They remain without striker Sam Hodgson as he continues his recovery from a foot injury, with Conor Newton also doubtful through illness.
Information for supporters
Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and the turnstiles will open at 5.30pm.
Tickets are available in advance by clicking here before 12pm on matchday.
Supporters can also pay at the turnstiles, with admission priced at £12 for adults, £9 for students, over-65s and disabled supporters, £5 for those aged 13 to 16 and £3 for under-12s. There is an additional charge of £2 for a seat, but these must be purchased in advance.
Turnstile 2 will accept cash, with all other turnstiles to accept card only. There is no segregation in place at this fixture.
Happy Hour pricing will be in operation in all bars between 5.30pm and 7pm.
A match programme, packed with content, is available to purchase for £3 and also acts as a raffle ticket, with one lucky programme holder to win a Sunday lunch for two people at SSFC. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.
Meanwhile, a young Mariners team is also set to be in action on Tuesday as they travel to Whickham in the Durham Challenge Cup.
The original tie was postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch and a quarter-final place is up for grabs.
Updates from this match will be provided on the @ssfcacademy Twitter page.