Phillips hoping Shields make home advantage count against Matlock

Kevin Phillips is hoping to take advantage of home comforts as South Shields play their final game at 1st Cloud Arena in almost a month on Saturday.

The Mariners have a ninepoint lead at the top of the Northern Premier League heading into their meeting with Matlock Town.

Theteamswerepromotion rivalslastseasonandthisisthe firsttimetheyhavefacedeach other in 2022-23, with ninthplacedMatlockchasingaplayoff place this time out.

Shields’ task is to hold off the challenge of the teams below them as they seek to earn a place in National League North. That would earn Phillips a promotion in his first seasoninmanagement,buthe is keen to stress that the Marinershavemuchworktodoyet.

Saturday’s game is one of 13 remainingmatchesforhisside as the finishing line begins to loom into view.

Phillips said: “We’re delighted with the position we’re in, but we still have lots ofchallengesaheadifweareto achieve our aim of promotion.

“The first of those is Matlock on Saturday, and they come into this game off the back of a disappointing result at home to Guiseley on Tuesday. They will be desperate to bounce back and like every team in this league, they have a real threat.

“We’ve only lost once at home in the league this season and don’t intend to add to that, but we have to approach the match with caution and with the attitude that if we play the way we know we can, we have an excellent chance of winning.”

Shields drew 1-1 at Gainsborough Trinity in midweek and have won five and drawn one of their last six matches.

After Saturday’s game, they face four consecutive away trips in what will be a further test of their promotion credentials.

Phillips added: “A good result would set us up nicely for our run of four away games, which thankfully includes a short break from midweek fixtures. That will help us recover from our recent exertions and allow us to do more work on the training pitch heading into the crucial final weeks of the season.

“Having drawn away from home on Tuesday, it’s important to follow that up with a win on Saturday to make it seven points in a week.

“It’s very positive that we go into this run with such a strong squad and everyone fighting for places.”