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