Friday Night Preview: South Shields

South Shields arrive in Lincolnshire on Saturday, looking for points in their quest for the league title, to face the Holy Blues, Trinity determined to maintain our impressive home form and take the points to ensure we take strides towards ensuring our mathematical safety. Gates opening at 1.30pm, it's PitchingIn Northern Premier League action and the business end of the season, so let's pack the Gainsborough Martin and Co Arena. A large contingent from the North East are expected to make the trip, so you are encouraged to purchase tickets online to keep queuing at the ground to a minimum.

Details: Published: 1st April 2022

Managed by Kevin Phillips, the former Sunderland and England centre forward took over the reins from Lee Picton and Graham Fenton in January 2021, as the only full time side in the Northern Premier. At the time, Shields were sitting third in the league, six points off then leaders Matlock Town with two games in hand. Now, the visitors currently sit in second spot on 71 points, two behind the leaders Buxton, having played the same number of games. Shields have been struggling on the road recently, with victories over Matlock and Warrington Town rare victories away from Mariners Park. Two draws and three 1-0 defeats away from home in March alone have hindered their title hopes, but the former England man’s men are still hanging in there, in the title race, with five games to play. Tom Shaw’s men will be looking to inflict more away day misery on the Tyne Side outfit.

Free scoring at home, Phillips’ side obviously have a talented group, and will pose a threat to our impressive home record, but one thing for sure is that Tom Shaw’s Trinity side do not fear anyone at the Gainsborough Martin and Co Arena, and if our own away performances had been even marginally improved, we wouldn’t find ourselves down in 18th position, in a group of clubs clutched together by four points; a couple of victories can potentially propel the side up five places, to thirteenth.

Speaking of our improved form defensively, Stef Galinski, ahead of the game said, "Performances for large parts of the game have been good, now it’s a collective effort to make it matter in a pivotal period for the club. Transferring those defensive performances into points is something we are all driven to achieve. Big games are ahead over the next weeks, and I am certain we are up for the challenge!"

Come along and join us, as this group look to push themselves to their limits and end the season in style, playing without fear, and looking to put smiles on the faces of the Gainsborough Trinity faithful.

Programme

Inside Saturday's Matchday Programme is the Big Interview, featuring flying full back Prosper Keto. Latest signing Josh Hinds answers the ten quick fire questions. We are through to the letter ‘S’ on Phil Anderson’s Gainsborough A-Z.

Steve Andrews continues his From the Archives feature looking back on this time in history thanks to his substantial programme collection. We also hear from Head Coach, Tom Shaw and the current man with the armband Stefan Galinski addresses the supporters. Available to purchase at the turnstiles, or for mail order, priced at £2.50 (plus postage) courtesy of our friends at Matchday Creative.

Pre-Game

Open from midday and showing the lunch time game on multiple screens, The Blues Club offer a warm, friendly welcome to both home and away supporters, and is also the venue for our sponsor’s pre-match meal. Offering a great selection of beverages, to whet the whistle of all age groups. The Sky early kick off, before the main event is Liverpool vs Watford as the Premier League returns to action following the international break.

Admission to the game is priced at £12 adults, £8 concessions, and U16s £4. Thanks to the fantastic generosity of our 2021/22 home shirt sponsors, Rase Veterinary Centre, we can offer under sixteens free entry when accompanied by a paying adult. For anyone unsure about where to find us, there is car parking opposite the main turnstiles available, priced at £2 per car. Otherwise it is on street parking, where we ask you to be considerate of our neighbours and the local community.