South Shields boss pleased with reaction to Scarborough draw as King's Lynn test lies ahead

Ian Watson has admitted South Shields are facing ‘a tough task’ as they prepare to travel to National League North rivals King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

The Mariners saw their lead at the top of the table cut to four points in midweek when they wasted a two-goal lead in their draw at Scarborough Athletic and title rivals AFC Fylde strolled to a 5-0 home win against Spennymoor Town.

Watson’s side have quickly shaken off a disappointing end to Tuesday night’s game at Scarborough and are now fully focused on what lies ahead as they look to take another step towards promotion into the National League. The Mariners boss has been pleased with his side’s reaction to that minor setback - but warned they will have to be at their best to get a result against the Linnets.

He told The Gazette: “You get a lot of these long journeys in this league and we have coped really well with them so far. King’s Lynn are a really good side with a good manager, a proven manager and we know it’s going to be a tough task to go down there and get a result. After Tuesday, the boys were disappointed, but we have regrouped really well. We ensured training was really lively, we will do the same on Friday and we will do everything we can to be ready for a tough task down there.”

Keeper praised

On-loan Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Tom Watson’s will be handed another chance to impress for the Mariners after extending his loan deal until the end of the season.

The Latics youngster has performed admirably during his time with South Shields and has helped Watson’s side recover from the loss of fellow stopper Jasper Sheik to injury. The Mariners boss admitted there was some concern over bringing in a new goalkeeper following the injury to his summer signing - but praised Watson’s attitude and ability as he continues to provide a solid presence between the sticks.

He explained: “With Jasper doing so well, if I am being honest, it was a concern bringing another goalkeeper in because you worry they might not give us was Jasper did.

“We are asking them to do something they have maybe not done before in terms of how we like to play. He has taken to it really well, he wants to learn, he wants to understand how he can get better, he wants to know why we do it and he’s done it really well.

“He’s been amazing since he’s come in and my biggest compliment is that a loan coming in for Jasper could have been a real headache for us - but he’s taken that away and he’s really secured his place in the team. He’s bought into the area and the club, he just gets on with things and he’s a real credit to himself and Wigan.”

Watson could hand a first start to recent signing Jack Roles after he penned an 18-month deal with the Mariners before making his debut as a substitute in the midweek draw at Scarborough.

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