Shields have strength for promotion

GRAHAM Fenton believes the physical and mental toughness of his South Shields side can help them to a third consecutive promotion.

The Mariners entertain Glossop North End tonight and go into the game knowing a point will secure promotion into the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Fenton has already had a notable success against North End when he led North Shields to their FA Vase Final win over the Hillmen in 2015.

Now he can add a promotion to that Wembley victory and he insisted that his side will continue to show the toughness that has led them to the brink of the Evo-Stik’s top-tier.

Speaking to the Mariners website, he said “It’s not long since we played against them in really difficult conditions.

“If the weather forecast is right it will be a nice evening here at Mariners Park.

“We go on about it but they have to travel after being at work and it’s not easy. These players are not robots. They put in so much time and effort for the football club in terms of travelling around the North of England.

“They leave jobs early, jump on a bus and everybody is thinking it is a guaranteed three points.

“It’s not like that, football is a tough game physically and mentally.

“Over the season you have dips physically and mentally but at the moment I think our lads are showing that they are physically and mentally tougher than anyone else in the league.”

South Shields are in a fine run of form in home league games, having won their last five matches at Mariners Park.