South Shields Preview

Nov 13, 2019 | Club News

Saturday 16th November sees us play our first Saturday home game since 14th September. A run of 7 consecutive away games has severely dented our finances so it is timely that our first home league game after that run is with South Shields who are well known for a large traveling fan base, who hopefully can get our attendance close to 4 figures.

South Shields can Trace their history back to 1888, but their history includes various involvement’s with Gateshead and Gateshead United until 1974 when South Shields Mariners relocated to the town and move away from Gateshead. South Shields were original members of the Northern Premier League from 1968, so our paths did briefly cross. In looking at the recent club our history which is very short, South Shields have moved up the pyramid in the North East and wanting to join the national pyramid this forward looking side they joined the Northern Premier League Division 1 at step 4 for season 2017/18 and won the league with 103 points. Promotion to step 3 last season saw then finish second, 3 points behind Farsley but failed in the play offs. This season they are currently top with a strong away record of won 4, drawn 1 and lost 1, their only defeat coming at Witton.

Our recent home record with the current South Shields is good but may come under scrutiny this Saturday. In season 2017/18 they come to us in the FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round, and despite scoring early on, a Messiah McDonald hat trick saw us win 3-1. Last season’s league game was drawn 1-1 with our poor pitch at the time being a great leveller. So can the new South Shields get their first win at Marston Road, we will have to see. So, if you come to watch you will see for yourself. Please help swell the gate.

Please note that due to there being 2 wedding receptions in the Social club on Saturday there will be limited car parking at the ground, but there is plenty of street parking on the Astonfields Industrial estate.

Games played on November 16 this century

2002 Shrewsbury A 0-4 F A Cup round 1
2013 Ilkeston A 0-0 Northern Premier League

Chasetown Preview – Phil Bennett

Nov 11, 2019 | Club News

I think when the draw was first made, there where differing trains of thought. It’s the Integro Cup, the League Cup for the Northern Premier League. Although sponsored, there is very little money on offer, and then you must get at least to the to the semi-finals. As a result, many clubs see the competition as a hindrance and want to be out of it as quick as you can. However, it can be used to give fringe players and youth an opportunity to stake a claim for the first team. We know only too well that our  fringe players are playing due to our injury list, so our squad will be the fit and able plus a couple of kids from the academy.

Hold on though. This is not just any Integro Cup match. We have been pitted with Chasetown from Division 1, and a fair few of their squad plus the management team, have recent experience of wearing the black and white stripes of the Rangers. The loose term of Rangers v Rangers reserves will no doubt stir the ex-players as they attempt to do one over on their previous club. This puts a different complexion on the fixture and should make for an interesting game.

Chasetown currently lie 15th in the South Eastern Division, of which Sutton Coldfield still lie bottom. They have picked more points on the road than at home, although their away league form is won 2 and lost 2. Their 2 wins were a 4-2 win at Newcastle Town where Jack Langstone got a hat trick and a 3-0 win at Frickley with George Cater getting on the score sheet.

Tuesday night will be a strange encounter as both teams may put out weakened squads, but then again you have the local rivalry angle plus the old boy’s influence. So, if you want to see the outcome, please come on down on Tuesday to witness the event. Remember also that this will be our first home game sine 8th October ending our run of 7 away fixtures. As you may have forgotten how to get to the ground, please use sat nav of ST16 3UF.

Games played November 12th this century

2005 Hinkley H 2-3 Conference North
2011 Burscough A 3-2 Northern Premier League
2013 Romulus A 2-2 Doodson League Cup. We won 4-3 on penalties
2016 Hednesford A 1-1 FA Trophy. We won the replay 2-1

Open Invite To Fans Forum 22nd November

Nov 8, 2019 | Club News

Our Management Team cordially invite you to an open forum on Friday 22nd November, in our social club.

Andy Fearn, Alex Meechan, Paul Hayward and John Psaras will be in attendance for an open Q&A session, to discuss “all things football” to continue with the open communication that they have so far prided themselves on. 7pm arrival for a 7.30 start is planned and we hope to see a healthy turnout.