Shields will be up for tough Rangers clash, says Phillips
South Shields face another stern test of their promotion credentials when they travel to in-form Stafford Rangers on Saturday.
The Mariners missed the chance to move six points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League when they were beaten 1-0 at Ashton United on Tuesday evening.
The league leaders are now set to come up against an upwardly-mobile Stafford side which are unbeaten in their last 10 league games as they target a spot in the playoffs.
Their last outing saw them defeat Stalybridge Celtic 2-0 as they climbed to ninth in the table, so Shields are well aware they are in for a difficult afternoon in Staffordshire.
Manager Kevin Phillips said: “It goes without saying that we were disappointed on Tuesday, when we had an off night.
“Too many of the players were below-par and they would admit that themselves.
“We’re a good side but we’re not good enough to be able to have four, five or six players below-par and get away with it.
“We’ve reflected on Tuesday’s game and looked at it, but our full focus has been on preparing for another tough match in similar conditions at Stafford.
“We need to be ready for it and we will be.”
Despite Tuesday’s defeat, Shields remain in a strong position, three points clear of second-placed Buxton and four ahead of Matlock Town, who have a game in hand.
That reality helped Phillips
maintain perspective after the midweek disappointment as the Mariners look to return to winning ways against Stafford.
He added: “You can’t get too high and can’t get too low in football.
“You’ve got to stay level
and we’re still there at the top with everything in our own hands.
“We’ve got another tough game on Saturday and that has been my priority since the final whistle at Ashton.”
Shields go into Saturday’s game without Cedric Main (knee) and Callum Ross (knee).
Kick-off at Marston Road – which has a post code of ST16 3UF – is at 3pm and admission prices are £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and students, and £3 for those aged 16 and under.