SuperKev’s Shields warned not to take struggling Town lightly
Table-topping South Shields take the momentum of Tuesday’svitalwinoverpromotion rivals Matlock Town into another important home game on Saturday.
The Mariners are at home to Nantwich Town after their 3-1 victory in midweek, which saw them leapfrog Matlock and former leaders Buxton into top spot.
Their advantage at the top is a slender one point, though, and Shields know they cannot afford a slip-up if they are to maintain their place at the summit of the Northern Premier League.
First-team coach Wess Brown was delighted with the performance of the Mariners on Tuesday, but has warned the victory’s significance will be diluted if it is not followed up by another win on Saturday.
Brown said: “It was a dominant performance from us from start to finish, and one that had been coming from the lads for a while.
“We had one lapse in concentration which let them in, but we knew what they were going to throw at us and dealt with them really well.
“We’ve set the standard now with that performance, but the lads know that Tuesday’s win is only good if we go again on Saturday and put in another big performance.
“We need to put a good run together to stay at the top.”
Shields are up against a Nantwich side which is
third-bottom in the table, but boasts one of the best 10 away records in the division.
The reverse fixture was a 0-0 draw and the Dabbers won their most recent fixture 5-1 away to Stalybridge Celtic, so the Mariners are not taking their opponents lightly.
Brown added: “Despite what the overall league table might say, Nantwich are one of the form teams in the division.
“They have been very good away from home in particular, and we’re well aware they have some extremely dangerous players who are capable of causing any team problems.
“We have never had an easy game against Nantwich and we’re not expecting that to change this time.
“They are likely to raise their game against us, but hopefully it will be another great occasion and it is up to us to follow up our performance from Tuesday.”
Shields were backed by their highest crowd of the season on Tuesday when 2,639 supporters packed into 1st Cloud Arena. Admission prices for Saturday’s game are £10 for adults, £8 for students, over-65s and disabled supporters, and £3 for under-16s. Cash turnstiles will be in operation.
The Mariners are set to have Nathan Lowe available after he limped off in the second half of the midweek win with a shin injury, but they expect to again be without Cedric Main (quad) and will definitely have midfielder Callum Ross (knee) missing for the 3pm kick-off.
*Nantwich Town have announced that Joe Robbins’ loan from Crewe Alexandra has been extended until the end of the season.
Since his debut against Stafford Rangers at the end of December, the midfielder has made nine appearances and scored a hat-trick in his last outing against Stalybridge Celtic.