BLUES PREVIEW: SOUTH SHIELDS V CHESTER FC

The away games continue to come thick and fast, and this weekend brings a first-ever trip to South Shields.

Calum McIntyre would be hugely encouraged by his sides display in what is always a tough away game in midweek, drawing 1-1 at Alfreton as they looked defensively solid and played some nice football.

The Blues boss has a reinforcement to call upon in new signing Owen Windsor this weekend, who could make his debut for the club. It’s a timely boost to the forward line; with Tom Peers, Adam Thomas and Kole Hall all expected to be out until around the New Year.

THE OPPOSITION:

South Shields have made a flying start to life in the National League North following promotion last term.

The Mariners sit third in the table and have an outstanding home record for the Blues to face up to on Saturday, winning eight and drawing two of their first ten matches at the 1st Cloud Arena.

Even more impressive is their defensive record, conceding just once in those ten games, that goal coming all the way back on the opening day of the season.

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE:

South Shields | W10 D6 L4 | F35 A20 | Pos: 3rd

Last Three

vs Southport (a) | L 0-1 | Scorers: None

vs Spennymoor Town (a) | W 5-2 | Scorers: Paul Blackett (3), Aaron Martin, Lirak Hasani

vs Curzon Ashton (h) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Chester | W7 D3 L6 | F20 A15 | Pos: 17th

Last Three

vs Curzon Ashton (a) | W 1-0 | Scorer: George Glendon

vs Darlington (a) | L 2-3 | Scorers: Tom Peers, George Glendon

vs Alfreton Town (a) | D 1-1 | Scorer: Declan Weeks

MATCH DETAILS:

Kick off is 3pm at 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The address for the ground is: 

Mariners Park, Shaftesbury Avenue, South Shields, NE32 3UP.

Segregation is in place for this fixture, with Chester FC supporters entering via gates 3 & 4.