Buoyant Mariners on crest of wave going into new year

SOUTH Shields’ joint-manager Graham Fenton has reflected on another year of significant progress at the club.

The Mariners kick off 2019 with a home meeting against the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division’s basement club North Ferriby United this afternoon.

South Shields look to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 league games.

That run has taken them into the play-off places and there is a growing belief the Mariners are now realistic challengers to secure a fourth consecutive promotion.

Fenton said: “It has been a really positive year.

“Our main goal was to be promoted into this league.

“We have done that and we are in a good position, although it could be better.

“We are in a good position to have a real good go at getting another promotion in 2019.

“We are amassing a lot of points at the moment and we have to keep that going as long as possible.” ■■EVO-STIK NPL East Division leaders Morpeth Town host Tadcaster Albion this afternoon.

The Highwaymen are three points clear at the top of the table and assistant manager Craig Lynch believes his side is proving a tough nut to crack for opposition.

He said: “Albion are a good team and they will have a point to prove against us, so it will be a good game. Christmases, especially in non-league where you have work, family and football, are tricky.

“However, we went to Marske on Boxing Day and beat them 4-1.

“If you were offered that, you would bite their hand off!

“Everyone did their jobs and when we are ticking like that not many teams are going to beat us. “

Danny Carson (broken ankle) is the only absentee from the Morpeth squad.