BETVICTOR NPL / FA VASE
South Shields midfielder Phil Turnbull believes that his side are showing a nasty streak that can put them on their way to a fourth promotion in five seasons.
The Mariners are currently sitting 10 points clear at the top of the BetVictor NPL Premier Division table after winning their last eight league fixtures.
Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side have become renowned for their slick, passing style in their rise up the non-league pyramid – but on Saturday, they will return to the scene of one of their hardest-earned wins of last season.
Lee Mason got the only goal of the game as the Mariners battled and scrapped to all three points at Witton Albion in their first game of 2019 – and they will head back to Cheshire with the aim of stretching their impressive run of form to boost their promotion chances.
Former Gateshead and Darlington midfielder Turnbull is hopeful his side can continue to “earn the right” to play their brand of football to secure another win and extend their lead at the top of the table.
“We went there last year, and we got a 1-0 win,” explained Turnbull. “It was one of our best results of the season – but it wasn’t the best performance.
“You go there, and the pitch isn’t great, there isn’t a big crowd and it’s a tough place to go.
“I think we have learned lessons from last season.
“We don’t just turn up and play good football – we earn the right to play nice football and earn a result on the back of that. It’s about if we have got that nasty side and we showed that at FC United last week.
“That is the sort of result that will win us the league.”
The Mariners will take a late check on the fitness of Lee Mason (illness) and Josh Gillies (stomach injury) – but winger Luke Day will definitely be out of the game with a knee injury.
South Shields will be hoping that North East rivals Morpeth Town can do them on a favour on Saturday when second-placed Basford United travel to Craik Park.
Former Hartlepool United midfielder Liam Noble is set to make his home debut for the Highwaymen after appearing in the FA Cup defeat at Nantwich Town last weekend and the 1-1 draw at Mickleover Sports in midweek.
Marske United face another tough test as they look to extend their unbeaten start to the BetVictor NPL North West Division season when they entertain fellow promotion chasers Marine to Teesside.
The Merseyside outfit sit three places and one point ahead of the Seasiders – but have played one game more than Carl Jarrett’s side. Marske are boosted by the return from suspension of Leon Scott – but Callum Martin remains unavailable as he continues to serve a three-match ban.
In-form West Allotment Celtic will hope to progress into the FA Vase Second Round for the first time since 2005 when they travel to Bottesford Town on Saturday.
Jay Bates’ side have lost just one game in all competitions this season – and they go into the game in Lincolnshire on the back on an impressive 1-0 win at Division One high-fliers Stockton Town in the Mitre Sports Brooks Mileson League Cup in midweek.
It has been a good week for Bates after free-scoring midfielder Shane Jones rejected three approaches from higherranked clubs to remain with Allotment.
And he will be looking to break the 20-goal mark and help his side into Monday’s second round draw with a win at the Birkdale Stadium.
Jarrow will face opposition from outside of the Northern League for the first time in a competitive fixture when they host Vauxhall Motors at Perth Green.
However, they will be without injured trio Craig Malley, John McReady and Nick Little.
Seaham Red Star manager Mark Collingwood has confirmed that midfielder Matthew Wade and young striker Morgan Dart have been ruled out of their home tie against Yorkshire Amateur and Ryhope CW are without Jack Devlin and Adam Cocks as they prepare to entertain Ashton Athletic. Callum Munro will miss Bishop Auckland’s tie at Padiham as he serves a one-match suspension and defender Josh Rowbotham is a serious doubt for Guisborough Town’s trip to Chadderton.
Crook Town will reach the second round for the first time since 2014 if they can come through their tie at Longridge Town and Shildon will hope to extend their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions when they entertain West Didsbury and Chorlton at Dean Street.
2017 Vase finalists Stockton Town will continue their quest to return to Wembley with a visit to Northern Counties East League club Knaresborough Town and Consett travel to North Lincolnshire to face Winterton Rangers.
There is a Teesside derby at Teesdale Park as Thornaby face Billingham Town for the second consecutive Saturday.