Cables’ current form gives Mariners a tough test, says Fenton

SOUTH Shields joint-manager Graham Fenton believes that Prescot Cables will provide a “really tough” test for his side.

The Merseyside outfit travel to South Tyneside having won five of their last six games and currently sit in fifth place in the Evo-Stik North table.

The Mariners returned to the top of the table with their midweek hammering of Ossett Town and have scored 14 goals in their last three games. Second-placed Hyde United face a tricky-looking trip to Trafford today and Fenton has challenged his side to take advantage of any slip-ups by taking another three points at Mariners Park.

“It’ll be tough, really tough,” said the former North Shields manager.

“They are in a really good run of form so we are expecting a tough game.

“As you know it’s not easy coming to Mariners Park and we have to make it a fortress.

“We have scored lots of goals in the last three games and we have to try and put on another performance that entertains the crowd and hopefully allows us to come away with another three points.”

Lee Picton and Fenton will hand late fitness tests to Matty Pattison (knee), Alex Nicholson (back) and Carl Finnigan (calf).

Anthony Callaghan is definitely out of the game with a long-term injury, but midfielders Michael Richardson and Barrie Smith are available for selection.

The latter made his comeback and scored as a young Mariners side progressed into the Integro League Cup semi-final with an impressive 5-1 win at Evo-Stik Premier club Workington on Thursday night.