Brackley Town v South Shields - Match Preview by Tyler Habib:

Following a Tuesday win away at Needham Market, the Saints look on to South Shields.
The Mariners are in their second National League North season after achieving promotion in 2023. They have had a mixed bag of performances across this season, most recently playing Radcliffe at home losing via a late penalty. South Shields sit at 16th and 1 point behind Brackley heading into this fixture.

The 2016-17 season would be etched into the memory of many Mariners fans, as they lifted the FA Vase, the first National trophy for the Tyne and Wear side. Since that Vase win, it has only been an upwards trajectory, Winning the Northern league, Northern Premier League Division One North and the Northern Premier League with no relegations.

The visitors have an extremely young squad coming into this season, with only 2 players above 30. They have utilised their connections with Tyne and Wear clubs and the loan market frivolously.

The Man in Charge:
Elliott Dickman took over in the summer after a successful spell as caretaker, he averaged 1.73pts per game from over 22 ties in the National League North, steering the Mariners to safety. Dickman was previously at both Northern Giants Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Key Players:
Shields top scorer Paul Blackett leads from the front, last season Blackett was the league’s top scorer, with 30 goals in the league. Feeding him are promising youngsters Kyle Crossley and Ashton Mee, who were signed from Newcastle and on loan from Stockport County respectively.
Holding down the fort is Jamie Bramwell, another loanee from a local club, this time in Gateshead. He has played 11 games in the league and has been key to the Mariners expansive 433 suggested by him playing the full 90 every game.

Opening times:
Turnstiles open at 12pm, our clubhouse "The Venue" is open to both home and away supporters from 12pm.

Match Sponsor:
Today's match is kindly sponsored by NJ Plastering.

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