South Shields boss calls for improvements ahead of Ashton United clash

The Mariners recovered from 2-0 and 3-1 behind to claim a 3-3 draw with Ashton on Tuesday in the league, and now travel to the same venue in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Shields' first half performance frustrated Picton, who was though buoyed by his side's fightback after the break as two goals from Jason Gilchrist and a sublime Robert Briggs free-kick earned them a share of the spoils.

The joint manager has, though, warned that a display similar to that produced in the first half in midweek could be enough to curtail Shields' chances of making further progress in the country's premier domestic cup competition.

He is hopeful that lessons have been learned.

Picton said: "We're always left with a high level of frustration when we look across our group and see how much quality there is and we don't evidence that in our performances.

"In every department in the first half on Tuesday we were so lacking, and it really hurt Graham (Fenton) and I.

"We obviously demanded more in the second half and that's what we got.

"Credit to the lads for turning the situation around, which is not the easiest thing to do part way through a game.

"It was pretty much one-way traffic throughout the second half.

"We go back there on Saturday and will hopefully give a better account of ourselves from the off."

Shields could go into tomorrow's tie without Nathan Lowe, who suffered a knee injury within moments of being introduced as a half-time substitute on Tuesday.

They will be hoping to progress into the third qualifying round, having made it to this stage with a win on penalties over Warrington Town a week-and-a-half ago.

Picton added: "We're looking for evidence that we can learn lessons and that certain things will not be allowed to happen to us.

"We have to show we won't allow certain standards to happen on the pitch."

Kick-off at Hurst Cross is at 3pm.