Competition driving South Shields in push for National League - says manager Ian Watson

South Shields manager Ian Watson believes the ultra competitive attitude of his squad in training sessions is firing the Mariners bid to secure the National League North title.

Watson’s men extended their lengthy unbeaten run to 16 games when they battled their way to a 1-1 draw at Chorley in midweek and they will head into Saturday’s long trip to Hereford sitting two points clear at the top of the table. Watson has rotated his squad in recent weeks to help his players cope with a hectic and intense fixture schedule and a number of players have stepped up to the mark with some impressive performances after being named in a starting eleven.

Watson has insisted the approach his players take in training sessions during the week ensure his starting eleven are fully prepared for the challenging that lie in wait when they cross the white line.

He told The Gazette: “It’s not just about matchday, it’s about training as well. We say it all of the time, the group that aren’t playing every week, it’s testament to themselves how they are playing but it also sharpens up the lads who are starting because if they are coming up against difficult tests in training, they are even better for a matchday. We put a massive emphasis on training, I always love training and the hardest sessions should be in training because then you can go and enjoy matches and put everything into practice.”

Schedule

There was a major boost for Watson as former Crawley Town goalkeeper Jasper Sheik returned to the matchday squad for Tuesday’s draw at Chorley after a lengthy rehabilitation from a serious shoulder injury. Further good news has come with former Sunderland youngster Caden Kelly rapidly closing in on a return and fellow forward Kyle Crossley is also running once again after suffering a serious knee injury. Watson called for caution with all three players and insisted he will continue managing their respective situations in a bid to ensure they are able to return to full fitness on a regular basis.

“Jasper has worked so hard to get back, he’s miles ahead of schedule because he’s worked so hard. That gives me a huge headache but a good one and Caden Kelly is nearing a return to, which is great news because he was massive for us before he got injured. Kyle Crossley is back on the grass and is running but he’s not joined in yet so he’s a bit of time away. His injury was serious so we have to manage it carefully and Andy has looked after him. We are getting close with a few bodies and we have to make sure we look after them because they’re all important for us.”

Devastated

One player that will not feature again this season is versatile winger Dan Ward as a hamstring injury has brought a premature end to his campaign. Watson has backed the former Gateshead and Spennymoor Town man to ‘come back from it stronger’ and revealed his personal heartache over the injury.

He said: “I can’t put into words how devastated I am for him. I know it’s football, there are worse things going on in the world but from a football point of view it’s hard to take. We are all there for him, he knows that, and he will come back from it stronger because he always does."

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