South Shields aiming to progress to last 32 of FA Vase

The Mariners have won 13 of their last 14 games, but Staveley are in good form themselves, with nine wins from 11.

Shields warmed up for the tie with a 4-1 victory at West Allotment Celtic on Wednesday, and joint manager Graham Fenton is hoping they can build on that tomorrow.

He said: “I thought we started particularly brightly and, with the way we moved the ball around in the first half, it must have been tiring for the opposition.

“We ended up getting the benefits towards the end, and I thought our quality at times was very good.

“When we got three goals up towards the end, the lads just started moving it around to save as much energy as possible.

“Staveley didn’t have a midweek game, so they might be a little bit fresher than us.

“We’ve got the licence to bring in one or two to freshen it up a little bit, though, and everyone is looking forward to it.”

Shields are hoping to have new signing Michael Richardson available after he completed a move from Blyth Spartans in midweek.

The attacking midfielder, who was a regular for Newcastle United’s reserves between 2010 and 2014, is eager to hit the ground running at Mariners Park.

He said: “Everyone in the North East already knows about South Shields, and what they’re trying to do in the next few years.

“Outside of here, it’s all rumours and heresay, but once I sat down and spoke to Lee Picton and Graham Fenton about the direction the club is going and everything about the club, I was sold and really wanted to be here.

“I know how they play, and went to watch the game against West Allotment Celtic. I was very impressed with the lads.

“They played some really good stuff in a good 4-1 win, so I can’t wait to get started now.

“I’ve never played in the FA Vase, so it will be good if I can get involved.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Richardson scored four goals in his last appearance for Blyth as they thrashed Bedlington Terriers 11-1 in the Northumberland Senior Cup late last month.

During his time at Newcastle, the 24-year-old spent time on loan in the Football League with Accrington Stanley, Gillingham and Leyton Orient, having first joined the Magpies from Walker Central in 2010.

He worked with Shields’ joint manager Lee Picton during his time as assistant boss at Blyth.

Shields are expected to remain without the injured Gavin Cogdon, Leepaul Scroggins and Louis Storey for tomorrow’s 3pm kick-off, and Anthony Callaghan is cup-tied.

Admission prices – to be paid at the turnstiles – are £6 for adults, £4 for students and over-65s, and £2 for under-16s. As this is an FA competition fixture, season tickets, corporate and junior season passes are not valid.