The Mariners surged into fourth place in the Northern League Division One table after beating Horden on Tuesday night, their highest position for years.

Having only narrowly escaped relegation last season, the turnaround in fortunes has caught some people by surprise.

And while Steadman insists he knew his players would be better equipped after a year of top-flight experience, he admits that their form is a welcome bonus.

But he is refusing to get carried away, especially over what is a long season.

He said: "After the Jarrow Roofing defeat, I was upset and wanted to change things around, but then we went and beat Whitley Bay.

"I realised that there had perhaps been an over-reaction to one bad performance.

"Now the worry is keeping a lid on expectations.The target at the start of the season was mid-table, so we're over the moon and enjoying it.

"We've now got as many points already as we did in the whole of last season, so it shows the progress we've made. It's a long season, though."

Shields host Bishop Auckland tomorrow, and could go level on points with third-placed Ashington if they win and fifth-placed Dunston beat the Colliers.

Steadman, however, admits his side were slightly fortunate at times in the 2-0 win over Horden in midweek.

He added: "We were lucky not to go two down thanks to great saves from Niki Lawson, but then in the second half we could have scored six."

Lawson's arrival has helped tighten up the Shields rearguard, with centre-half Richie Paxton also in fine form at the moment, which saw him named as the club's player of the month for October.

Steadman said: "Richie's playing very well, and he deserves the award."

Shields have Chris Feasey, David Graham and Hal Graham all available for tomorrow's clash after they missed out in midweek, though it may be a case of playing the same side that started against Horden.

Steadman is still looking to strengthen his squad, and with striker Craig Tate no longer at the club, another frontman is his priority.