Bell ready to make Shields home bow – Picton

‘Tenacious’ Connor Bell has been backed to hit the ground running if he makes his home debut for South Shields tomorrow.

The Mariners are taking on Buxton in a game many will view as a must-win if they are to keep their hopes of winning the Evo-Stik Premier Division title alive.

Shields are six points behind leaders Warrington Town, having played a game less, and five points behind second-placed Farsley Celtic, who they have played the same number of matches.

Forward Bell joined the Mariners a fortnight ago, and made his debut as a substitute at Bamber Bridge last Saturday.

He followed that up with an impressive performance from the start in the Durham Challenge Cup win at Dunston UTS on Tuesday, and joint manager Lee Picton is convinced he is ready to make his home bow.

He said: “Tuesday was Connor’s first start for the club and the qualities and character he exuded were everything we look for in a player at this club.

“If that is a sign of things to come, we’ve signed a really good player and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him.

“He was absolutely outstanding.

“It wasn’t just his quality on the ball, but just his character and personality.

“I was talking with Graham (Fenton) and Brian (Smith) on the sidelines during the game and we said he’s right up our street.

“He’s tenacious, has a never-say-die attitude, has great energy and enthusiasm for the game and has some obvious quality.”

Buxton defeated Shields 2-0 earlier in the season and are seventh in the table, six points off the play-off places with two games in hand.

Picton admits it is imperative the Mariners pick up maximum points.

He added: “Three points is pretty much a must tomorrow.

“We’ve got to go on the front foot right from the off and take lots of elements from Saturday’s and Tuesday’s performances to hit the ground running.”

Shields will be without Gavin Cogdon (calf ), Gary Brown (calf ), Carl Finnigan (ankle) and Barrie Smith (knee). Kick-off at Mariners Park is at 3pm.