South Shields only focusing on Peterborough Sports as AFC Fylde clash looms

South Shields manager Ian Watson has called for focus from his players as they head into another crucial week in their battle for promotion into the National League.

The Mariners battled their way to a 3-1 home win against Worksop Town in midweek as a brace from top goalscorer Paul Blackett and a late effort from on-loan Derby County youngster Lennon Wheeldon helped their side stay within touching distance of league leaders AFC Fylde.

A tough looking trip to Peterborough Sports is next on the agenda for the Mariners before Fylde visit the 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday night in a fixture that will not decide the fate of the title race - but will see the victors land a major blow on their nearest rivals. However, Watson has stressed the need to solely focus on preparations for Saturday’s visit to Peterborough and ensure his side do everything right to build on their midweek win.

He told The Gazette: “We are just focusing on training ahead of the game, our recovery from Tuesday night and we will do everything possible to be ready for Peterborough Sports because that has to be our focus. We will travel on Friday, we are doing it right, Geoff (Thompson, Mariners owner) has really supported us unbelievably.

“We really appreciate that because it’s going to be a hard game down there, it was a hard game here against them and we know they are no easy games in this league. We can’t look beyond Saturday, we can’t look at what Fylde are doing. We can’t waste energy looking at what they are doing, we can’t control what Fylde are doing so we just have focus on making sure we control what we are doing.”

Development

Paul Blackett’s return to form has come as a welcome boost for the Mariners boss after the former Gateshead and Spennymoor Town striker made it three goals in his last two games with his midweek brace against Worksop Town.

Watson has praised the attitude and ability of a player he first worked with during his time as assistant manager at Gateshead - and revealed he will continue managing Blackett’s fitness as he continues to rediscover the sharpness that has made him one of the most prolific strikers in the National League North.

He said: “I haven’t got enough words to speak about Paul or to say what he is as a player or a person. He’s just unbelievable on and off the pitch. Obviously we had him at Gateshead, but to see his development, not just on the field but off it as a person, he’s just an absolute machine, he’s a totally different animal altogether. We love him so much, the football club loves him so much, he’s a leader, it’s lovely to see and we need to keep him fit and ready. That’s why he came off in midweek and I know he was disappointed because he wanted to stay on and help the team but we have to do what’s best for the team and not just the individual.”

Watson will hope to have experienced defender Robbie Tinkler back in contention for Saturday’s game.

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