Competition for places is driving South Shields FC promotion bid - insists midfielder Jack Roles

South Shields FC midfielder Jack Roles believes competition for a place in Mike Williamson’s starting eleven is driving the bid for success this season.

The Mariners are sitting at the top of the National League North after they strolled to a 5-1 win against struggling Southport on Saturday and there are high hopes Williamson’s men can continue their push for promotion into non-league football’s top tier this season. The strength-in-depth possessed by the Mariners was shown on Saturday when Williamson was able to bring on the likes of former Sunderland youngster Caden Kelly, recent signing Rio Clegg, winger Sean McGurk and Roles himself.

The latter made the biggest impact as he crashed home his first goal for the club with a sumptuous finish from the edge of the Sandgrounders area that rounded off a dominating display from his side. The majority of Roles’ league appearances have come from the bench during the first three months of the campaign - but the midfielder is relishing the battle for a spot in Williamson’s side.

He told The Gazette: “It feels good, with the win as well, it’s four wins in a row so the feeling in the camp is good - but I’m delighted to get my first goal. I would say most of the goals I score are from outside of the box - although I wouldn’t say I’ve got into those positions as much as I would like since I’ve got here. I’ve played in a deeper tole but when I got the chance to go on earlier today, I knew I could make a good impression and contribute.

“We are all fighting for places and the aim is to win the league. It’s always hard when everyone is performing so well but that’s the aim, you want everyone performing well because that means everyone has to take their chance when it comes their way. You have to make it count whether you on from the start or you come on and you have to show the manager and his coaching staff that you can be trusted.”

The Mariners take a break from their promotion push when they visit Worksop Town for an FA Trophy second round tie this weekend.

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