Lee Picton targeting a 'massive reaction' as South Shields head to Dunston

The Mariners were beaten 2-1 at home by Witton Albion on Saturday as their lead at the top of the BetVictor Northern Premier Division was cut to three points.

Shields had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time but Witton struck in the 90th and 93rd minutes to turn the game on its head and end the home side's run of four consecutive victories in the league.

Joint manager Picton is confident the below-par second half performance on Saturday will prove to be merely a "blip" for Shields, but he knows the importance of bouncing back quickly.

Tonight's second round tie at Dunston perhaps takes on greater significance off the back of Saturday's result.

Picton said: "We face a tough local game tonight and we need players to say with their performances that a place in our team really, really means something to them.

"We're confident that Saturday was a blip for us but we have to learn from it and be tough on ourselves.

"We're looking for a massive reaction and that's what the fans should expect.

"It's up to the players to step up to the mark now and get us back on track."

The Integro Cup has been decimated by the weather so far this season and Shields have not played in it since a first round victory at Tadcaster Albion in September.

Much has changed personnel-wise since that win - three of the Mariners players involved that night are no longer with the club - but Shields are looking to book a third round tie at home to Morpeth Town or Pickering Town.

Picton is looking for an improvement from his side in the coming days.

He added: "We need players in abundance to step up to the mark now.

"We're getting towards the business end of the season and that's when you find out who your real players are.

"When you turn up the heat that little bit more you find out who has got the metal and who can deal with it.

"We're not just talking about running around and putting tackles in.

"We're talking about good decision making on the ball, which we lacked on Saturday.

"That was possibly one of the most disappointing things on Saturday because controlling games with the ball is usually one of our biggest strengths."

Shields are without the injured Luke Daly (knee) and Ross Coombe (finger) heading into tonight's 7.45pm kick-off at the UTS Stadium.