South Shields aim to keep pressure up at top as they take on Dunston UTS

Robert Briggs will be hoping to keep up his fine form for South Shields tomorrow. Image by Peter Talbot.

The Mariners have won their last three games in all competitions, and are eight points off the Robins in second.

However, they have two games in hand, and know three points tomorrow are vital as they aim to follow-up their 6-0 win over Guisborough Town last weekend.

Dunston, now under the stewardship of Chris Swailes, have improved since a 4-2 defeat at home to Shields last month. Mariners joint manager Graham Fenton is expecting a tough match tomorrow.

He said: “Dunston have picked up recently, and gave us a difficult game at their place.

“We’re certainly not going to take the game lightly.

“We’re expecting a difficult one, but if we turn up like we did last Saturday, they’re going to have their hands full trying to stop us.”

Fenton is hoping Shields can replicate the performance which saw them thrash Guisborough.

He added: “Last week’s performance and result was really pleasing.

“We scored really early to get in front, and from there we didn’t really look back.

“There were some very pleasing aspects of our play, and I thought the third goal, in particular, was absolutely magnificent.

“It’s really difficult against our lads, because they’re so comfortable in possession, and when we take a lead early like that, we tend to manage the game well and move the ball around well.

“It’s difficult for the opposition to get the ball back to have enough chances to get back in the game. I thought everyone played their part last week and we’re looking for more of the same.”

Shields could hand a debut to former Hartlepool United and Gateshead left-back Darren Holden, who joined from Jarrow Roofing earlier this week.

They remain without Gavin Cogdon, Leepaul Scroggins and Louis Storey for the 3pm kick-off at Mariners Park.

Admission prices – to be paid at the turnstiles – are £6 for adults, £4 for students and over-65s, and £2 for under-16s.

Meanwhile, Fenton and fellow joint manager Lee Picton will hold a question and answer session with Shields supporters next month.

The event will take place at Mariners Park on Thursday, December 8, and is open for all those in the SSFC Members’ Club.

As well as the Q and A, there will be an opportunity for those who attend to discuss the future of the Members’ Club, and possible future events.

Food will also be put on for supporters, while a game of bingo will round things off.

The event will start at 8pm, and members can gain entry by showing their membership card at the door on the night.

Those not yet in the Members’ Club yet who want to join up, or who have yet to receive your membership card, can visit the ticket office at Mariners Park on matchdays or call 0191 454 7800. To join up, it costs £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Members also get discounts on coach travel to away games, while more events are in the pipeline, and there will be selected days during the season when members can take advantage of discounts on selected club merchandise.