South Shields confident ahead of Southport FA Trophy replay

The Mariners led their high-flying Conference North opponents 2-1 before conceding a heartbreaking late equaliser.

Joint-manager Picton insists that they will go to Haig Avenue tonight full of confidence, knowing they can match the home side and also play better than what they showed at the weekend.

"I'm sure Liam Watson their manager will look at the game and not be happy with one or two things and he'll think there will be some improvements to come from them, but I think there are some improvements to come from us, without a doubt," he said.

"Generally speaking, I thought our individual quality on the ball was below par. But we made up for that in other areas, particularly in the second half, so we've got improvements to come.

"We can take so much heart from different aspects of the game. We really dominated for large periods, especially the spell when we got the two goals.

"It looked like there was only one team going to win it but we've got caught with a little mistakes

"We had enough situations and enough chances to win the game. To dominate a game like that against Southport team who are doing very well in the league above gives us a lot of confidence.

“I thought some of the performances were excellent, especially the younger players in our ranks, Aaron Thompson was excellent again and Will Jenkins when he came on put in a fantastic performance, all credit to him."

The Mariners have doubts over defender Gary Brown and midfielder Adam Thurston ahead of tonight's game.

Picton added: "Gary Brown had to come off with a dead leg so we will have to see how he is and go from there.

"Adam ruled himself out with a tight hamstring so we'll see. Blair (Adams) is going to be a little while yet, Luke Daly has started to get involved with training which is a massive boost. Josh Gillies is starting to get there but he will be a little while yet.”