South Shields' FA Vase semi-final is the hottest ticket in town

It's the hottest ticket in town.
Alisha Henry, the clubs commercial manager, has hailed South Shields fans after they snapped up the initial allocation of tickets for Saturday.Alisha Henry, the clubs commercial manager, has hailed South Shields fans after they snapped up the initial allocation of tickets for Saturday.
Alisha Henry, the clubs commercial manager, has hailed South Shields fans after they snapped up the initial allocation of tickets for Saturday.

South Shields FC could be just 90 minutes from a first-ever appearance at Wembley.

Saturday’s home game against Coleshill Town promises to be arguably the biggest match in the club’s recent history.

South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.
South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Mariners will not be lacking support – with the initial allocation of home tickets having already sold out.

Shields will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of the FA Vase semi-final, having won 2-1 in the Midlands on Saturday.

That victory led to another surge in ticket sales for this weekend’s game, with a crowd of over 3,000 expected to pack into Mariners Park.

There may be hope yet for those without a ticket, with Shields waiting to hear whether Coleshill will return any of their allocation of away tickets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The club expects to find out whether it has any additional tickets to sell later this week.

Commercial manager Alisha Henry said: “This has been another outstanding show of support from the South Shields fans, who have given us incredible backing all season.

“The players and coaching staff all commented on just what a big help the supporters who travelled to the game on Saturday were.

“I’m sure they’ll be even more vocal at Mariners Park to cheer the team on.

South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.
South Shields' players show their appreciation for the fans on Saturday. Image by Peter Talbot.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We may yet have some additional tickets available, and we just ask supporters to be patient until we find out.”

The ground is set to open at 11am before the game, while it will also be open long after the final whistle, with entertainment provided by singer Stevie Tennet.

If Shields avoid defeat on Saturday, they will secure a place in May’s final at Wembley.

They won the hard way at Coleshill on Saturday, coming from behind and eventually taking the lead in the last minute with a goal from Andrew Stephenson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the advantage, joint manager Lee Picton is taking nothing for granted heading into the return leg.

He said: “I don’t think there will be any complacency going into the second leg.

“There shouldn’t be, because Coleshill caused us problems.

“If we had come away with a two or three-goal lead, there might have been a bit of complacency, but there shouldn’t be any whatsoever in this situation.”

The crowd could break the ground record of 3,161, set in the quarter-final last month.