Tough test for Mariners in bid for Trophy

SOUTH Shields captain Jon Shaw believes that his side will face a “tough test” no matter who they face in the FA Trophy third qualifying round, writes MARK CARRUTHERS.

Southern Premier League Central Division “cup specialists” Stourbridge and the Mariners’ league rivals Lancaster City could not be separated in last night’s second qualifying round tie and will meet in a replay at City’s Giant Axe ground next week.

The winners will host Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side on Saturday, November 23 as the Mariners bid to reach the first round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Both sides will provide Shaw and his team-mates with a challenge as Lancaster sit just a point behind South Shields in the BetVictor NPL Premier Division table and claimed all three points in their last meeting with a 1-0 win at Mariners Park last weekend.

Stourbridge have carved a fine reputation for themselves as a “cup team” and have reached the FA Cup first round on six occasions over the last decade and the FA Trophy second round twice in the last four seasons.

Shaw admitted that his side will have been handed a difficult draw against either club as they look to write themselves into the club’s history books.

He said: “We had Lancaster at our place two weeks ago and they’re a tough side to break down.

“There’s a reason why they are on such a good run in our league and nipping at our heels.

“Stourbridge, regardless of how they are doing in their league, because I think they are in mid-table with not the greatest goal difference, whatever they do it seems to work for them in the cup competitions.

“We had to wait to find out who we would be playing because they have done so well in the FA Cup and it seems that they are a cup team.

“So, it’s a tough test, but we keep saying that it’s a competition where we feel we have a chance of going on a real run.”

LAST NIGHT’S NON-LEAGUE RESULTS NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH: Spennymoor Town 2 Boston

United 1.

INTEGRO LEAGUE CUP FIRST ROUND: Dunston UTS P Scarborough Athletic P, Morpeth Town P Marske United P, Pickering Town P Whitby Town P.

EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE: Newton

Aycliffe 3 Ryhope CW 1.

EBAC NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION TWO: Durham City 1 Crook Town 4.

MITRE SPORTS BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP GROUP B: Billingham Town 1 Washington 0.

MITRE SPORTS BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP GROUP D: Thornaby 6 Brandon United 1.

MITRE SPORTS BROOKS MILESON LEAGUE CUP GROUP F: Tow Law Town P Guisborough Town P.