South Shields FC set off for Coleshill on road to Wembley glory

South Shields FC take on Coleshill Town in the first leg of their FA Vase semi-final on Saturday afternoon.

The winners of the tie - which concludes at Mariners Park a week today - will travel to Wembley for the final of the competition in May.

The Mariners’ team and backroom staff set off about 3pm today and are now making the journey down to the Midlands.

Over 300 travelling fans will follow them tomorrow morning.

Shields joint manager Lee Picton is hoping the team will do them proud.

He said: “We’ve prepared as thoroughly as we have for all of the previous rounds, which has served us quite well so far.

“There’s obviously huge excitement in the camp, but we’re fully expecting an extremely difficult tie.

“We go to Coleshill with a big travelling support again who will once again be a huge help to us.

“Hopefully we can give them something to cheer.”

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Alan Smith, said: “Let’s hope the Mariners can continue their fantastic run of victories when they meet Coleshill Town in the semi-finals.

“I’m sure the whole town will be rooting for them and we wish them every success on their road to Wembley.”