Shields must remain focused with huge FA Cup draw at stake - Watson

Ian Watson has called for South Shields to focus on themselves as they look to reach the FA Cup first round proper with a home win against Spalding United on Saturday, writes Mark Carruthers.

- by Sports Reporter

South Shields players and management celebrate Ian Watson's manager of the month award. Pictures by South Shields FC.

(South Shields FC)

The inform Mariners are favourites to land a place in Monday night's first round draw when potential ties with former Premier League clubs Bolton Wanderers, Bradford City and Luton Town lie in wait.

Watson's men are also looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games as they host a Spalding side sat in fourth place in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

The Mariners boss has revealed he and assistant Carl Magnay have done their homework on the visitors - but will remain focused on coaxing the best possible performance out of their own player as they look to lead South Shields into the first round for the third time in the last six seasons.

He said: "We have to focus on us, but we always want to do that every week. We always look at the opposition and assess their strengths and where weaknesses could be and it's no different in this game.

"As a club, as a team, we have to make sure the mentality is right and that's not just in this game, that's in every game we play.

"We are approaching it like it's a cup final, we are making sure we are prepared, we are ready and with full belief in ourselves.

"We have to show our intensity and energy and we have to bring those or the opposition can hurt us."