South Shields announce jam-packed pre-season schedule with Gateshead and Blyth Spartans among the opposition

South Shields have announced a busy pre-season programme.

The Mariners are looking forward to their debut season as a full-time outfit – confirming eight friendlies that will take place across July and August before they return to competitive action.

Four of those fixtures are set to take place at the 1st Cloud Arena as Graham Fenton’s men test themselves against a variety of opposition.

First up for Fenton’s side is a trip to Northern League Division One side Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday, July 13.

Shields will then hope supporters are present for their first home friendly, with Stockton Town the visitors to South Tyneside, four days later.

Consett (home) and Crook Town (away) are the opposition as Shields play two games in two days on Tuesday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 21.

The Mariners will then face opposition from the league above as they visit National League North club Blyth Spartans on Saturday, July 24.

Games against West Allotment (away) on Wednesday, July 28 and Marske United (home) on Saturday, July 31 then follow before Fenton’s side round off their pre-season programme by hosting Gateshead on Saturday, August 7.

Shields have also confirmed they are hoping to announce an additional friendly in due course.

Admission and ticket details will be released when it is possible to do so.

Shields haven’t played a competitive match since December after the Covid-19 pandemic brought their season to a premature end for a second time.