DO THEY MEAN US? SOUTH SHIELDS FC
This Saturday (30th September 12.30pm kick off) sees one of the biggest cup ties that the F Ball Community Stadium has held in recent years, as we host National League North side South Shields in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

“The magic of the cup” is a phrase often heard, and it’s true – this tie has really caught the imagination, so much so that BBC will be covering the game live on the BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer & BBC Website.

The True Blue Army will assemble at?
We’re at home! But, if it goes to a replay, South Shields play at the 4,000 capacity 1st Cloud Arena (NE32 3UP) any replay would be Tuesday 3 October 2023.

From Leek, it is around 179 miles by car.

What are they known as/nickname(s)?
The Mariners. Locals are affectionately known as Sand Dancers.

Their website?
https://www.southshieldsfc.co.uk

What tier/league are they in?
Vanarama National League North - Tier 6/Step 2 (2 leagues higher than Leek)

Their colours?
Claret and blue shirts/White shorts/White socks although this game they will be in their away colours of Orange & Black

Their gaffer?
Julio Arca, who is a legend in the North East having played well over 300 games for Sunderland and Middlesbrough

How are they doing?
Excellently. They currently lie second in the table, on equal points with leaders Tamworth. 20 points from 10 games is some start to the season, and this will be a huge test for the Blues.

FA Cup results so far?
South Shields 2 Bishop Auckland 0 FT in the previous round

Their main man?
The Mariners have lots of quality in their squad, with the likes of Paul Blackett and Aaron Martin scoring regularly, whilst playmaker Lirak Hisani on loan from neighbours Gateshead is getting rave reviews.

Six Of The Best - Six things you probably didn’t know about South Shields….

1. Those who like their outdoor clothing may like to know that South Shields is the home of Barbour.
2. Situated at the south of the River Tyne, historically, South Shields was known to Romans as Arbeia and as Caer Urfa by Early Middle Ages
3. Monty Python’s Eric Idle was born in the town
4. It has now been over 130 years since the first recorded appearance of a named South Shields Football Club
5. South Shields is home of the oldest provincial newspaper in the UK, the Shields Gazette
6. Both North and South Shields derived their names from 'scheles' - small fishermen's dwellings

You can still buy a ticket for the game ONLINE HERE or at the Clubhouse on Wednesday & Friday evening