Mariners can earn their place in history - Picton
SOUTH Shields joint-manager Lee Picton wants his players to embrace the challenge of making history in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against FC Halifax Town.
The Mariners head into their home tie against the National League club knowing a win would see the name South Shields return to the first round of the competition for the first time since November 1973.
The Shaymen will provide a sizeable challenge for the South Tynesiders and will have a number of players with North East connections in their ranks.
Former Gateshead quartet Sam Johnson, Neill Byrne, Kieran Green and Dom Tear could all feature and ex-Sunderland midfielder Martin Woods will also be in the squad which will travel north.
Picton insisted the Mariners can pull off an upset and secure their place in Monday’s first-round draw – but did concede his side would have to be at the “top of its game” to register a win at the First Cloud Arena.
He told The Chronicle: “It is an opportunity for the players to make a little bit of history and it would be brilliant if we can find that little bit of luck which has been missing to do that.
“We are hoping to have one or two players back in the squad but no matter what side we put out the lads will continue to give their all for the club as they have done over the last two games.
“We have the potential to cause an upset but we have to be at the top end of our game to win the game, we know that.
“We without a doubt have the quality in our squad – we have always believed in our sides here at South Shields and we would be foolish not to.”
Just 300 supporters will be allowed to attend the tie but the Mariners will have a live stream available on the day of the game.