South Shields’ Premier Division play-off run begins with huge semi-final clash at Mariners Park 

South Shields start their Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off campaign against Warrington on Tuesday evening when they host Warrington in the semi-final. 

The Mariners narrowly missed out on automatic promotion late on in the regular season to Buxton but now will look at the play-offs as their second chance to reach the sixth tier. 

Shields Manager Kevin Phillips rested some key players in their final day loss to already relegated Grantham as he knew his side needed an unlikely 12 goal swing to catch Buxton.  

Skipper Blair Adams was rested on the final day amongst other key players such as forwards Darius Osei and JJ Hooper. Phillips will be hoping his decision to rest key players pays off. 

The game could go beyond 90 minutes into extra time and possibly even penalties so the decision to rest key players seems a smart one from Phillips. 

Mariners Park is expected to be packed with supporters with around 2000 fans attending the match. 

Warrington come into the game having missed out on hosting the other semi-final on the final day.  

Their loss at Matlock saw them drop to fifth place as they were overtaken by their hosts and Scarborough, who now play each other in the other semi-final tie. 

The Mariners beat Warrington home and away in the regular season and will hope that they can record another victory to ensure they host the play-off final at Mariners Park on the second of May.