A tough challenge ahead for table-topping South Shields

SOUTH Shields manager lan Watson has warned his players of the sizeable challenge they will face at AFC Telford United.

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The Mariners have enjoyed a successful week after making progress into the third round of the FA Trophy with a 6-2 win against Dunston UTS before moving back to the top of the league table with a home victory against Oxford City.

Despite that positivity and the struggles experienced by Saturday's hosts, Watson has insisted his players will have to be at their best to boost their promotion bid at New Bucks Head.

He said: “It's a really tough ask away from home but we have to make sure we are ready for all of these games because if you want to be successful, you have to properly prepare for every single one in the right way.

“It’s going to be a real stern test for us against a side that will pose us a lot of problems and it's down to us to solve those problems.

“We will work a lot with the boys so they understand what we need from them and to help them understand what we are facing to help them as much as we possibly can.”