NPL Match Preview: South Shields vs Guiseley
South Shields return to Pitching In Northern Premier League action on Tuesday when Guiseley visit 1st Cloud Arena (7.45pm kick-off).
The Mariners have won their last three games in all competitions, the latest of which was a dramatic 3-2 victory over Workington in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.
Guiseley also came from behind to win their first qualifying round tie, seeing off Avro 2-1, and they will come to South Tyneside sitting eighth, two points and five places behind Shields.
The Lions were relegated from National League North last season and are yet to taste defeat away from home this term as they adapt to life in the NPL.
Now under the management of Danny Ellis, Guiseley were beaten 1-0 by Bamber Bridge in their last league outing, but are targeting a strong campaign after overhauling their squad in the summer.
Ellis won this league as a player with both Guiseley and Farsley Celtic.
Manager’s views
Shields manager Kevin Phillips has been delighted with the character shown by his side so far this season.
They remain unbeaten heading into Tuesday’s match, and have demonstrated several different sides to their game in the campaign’s opening weeks.
Phillips said: “We’ve won our last three games and all of them have been won in different ways, with the lads forced to scrap and fight alongside the good football they’ve produced.
“They have demonstrated great character, spirit and resilience, and it was the sign of a good team to win on Saturday when we weren’t playing at our best.
“Although it’s great to win in those circumstances, you don’t want that to happen repeatedly, so it’s important we make progress with our performances and take them to the next level.”
Injury news
Shields are battling a lengthy injury list, and had just 14 available senior players for the Workington match.
One of those, Will McGowan, was forced off with a knock, and it is unclear at this stage whether he will be fit enough to face Guiseley.
Phillips is hoping to receive the green light for Darius Osei and Joao Gomes to figure, but Blair Adams, Tom Broadbent, Jordan Hunter, Callum Ross and JJ Hooper remain out.
Information for supporters
Kick-off at 1st Cloud Arena is at 7.45pm and admission prices are £12 for adults, £9 for students, over-65s and disabled supporters, £5 for those aged 12 to 16, and £3 for under-12s.
All turnstiles will accept card payments, with cash taken at turnstile 2 only.
Tickets can also be purchased in advance before 5pm online by clicking here. Those wishing to sit in either of our seated stands must purchase a seat in advance.
If you purchased a ticket in advance of the Workington match and do so again for this game and the league fixture against Atherton Collieries on September 24th, you will be entered into a draw to win a £500 holiday voucher from our friends at Westoe Travel. Season tickets needed to buy just a Workington ticket to enter.
The turnstiles will open at 5.30pm and happy hour pricing will apply in all bars between 5.30pm and 7pm, and from the final whistle until 10.30pm.
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 hospitality package for two people at a future home game, as donated by a club shareholder. Check the back of your programme for your lucky number, with the winner to be drawn at half-time.