‘We want to progress’ - South Shields boss makes FA Trophy vow ahead of Worksop Town tie

South Shields FC head coach Mike Williamson has refuted any suggestions he will heavily rotate his squad for Saturday’s FA Trophy second round tie at National League North rivals Worksop Town.

The Mariners have already experienced a hectic start to the campaign - but they have enjoyed the luxury of a free midweek to prepare for their trip to Sandy Lane this weekend. That has allowed Williamson and his coaching staff to assess the fitness of several members of their squad before they finalise their plans for the tie.

The former Newcastle United defender knows what benefits can be offered by a run in the Trophy after he led a Gateshead side containing current Mariners stars Adam Campbell and Robbie Tinkler all of the way to a Wembley final before they suffered a narrow defeat against FC Halifax Town.

Williamson insisted he is keen to enjoy a run in the competition and the growing competition for a place in his starting eleven will mean his squad can push for success in the FA Trophy and their bid to secure promotion into the National League.

“We want to progress, it’s as simple as that,” he told The Gazette. “We want to do well in every competition and this one is no different. We have a really good and really healthy squad with most lads back from injury bar one or two. The competition for places is in a good place right now so we want to go down there and win.

“I wouldn’t describe any changes as rotating the squad. If we make changes it’s not rotating, it’s about what’s doing best for that game. So Jordan Marshall came off because he felt a bit of tightness and Joe Emery felt a bit of something so we just protected them and it’s just about doing what’s right for the lads because we know we need everyone right for the business end of the season.”

‘Great character’

Williamson was delighted with the impact made by summer signing Jordan Marshall during last weekend’s win against Southport as he provided two assists during the first-half before being replaced at half-time. The former The New Saints left-back is still working his way back towards full fitness after suffering an ankle injury and Williamson has stressed he won’t take any further risks with Marshall going forwards.

“He’s whole-hearted, he’s full-blooded so I’ll take that any day,” he explained. “But he’s a great character and a great personality to have but we just have to make sure we don’t flog him. He came back from a sprain, he played a lot of minutes and had an issue so hopefully we can do it the right way. He said he could have carried on but in the position he has been in, we just didn’t want to take any risks with Jordan.”

The likes of Jack Roles, Sean McGurk and Caden Kelly will all hope to be handed a chance to impress from the start after coming off the bench in the win against Southport.

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