South Shields manager Ian Watson look ahead to Buxton play-off semi-final.

South Shields manager Ian Watson has called on the Mariners’ home support ahead of Saturday’s play-off semi-final against Buxton.

Watson’s side finished the season on 95 points, five off AFC Fylde who won the league, but could still get promoted via the playoffs – and the South Shields boss has previewed Saturday’s semi-final at the 1st Cloud.

“I think we’ve got a really good balance of mature, experienced players who have been in those moments before”, said Watson.

“I’ve watched so many play-off games throughout the years and we’ve seen players change what they do. 

“We’ve been successful because the players have played a certain way and their attitude towards the game has been a certain way. 

“I don’t want them to lose that.

“I know that the perception out there is that we’ve had a really tough time because we’ve lost out on the league and these boys can’t pick themselves up – but I know all these boys every single day, and I know 100% that they can.”

Speaking of Buxton, Watson said: “They’ve got incredible forwards.

“They’re really sharp.

“They’re really good on the counter attack as well.

“I believe that we’ve got players who can deal with that.

“The last three or four weeks, we’ve conceded goals where I expect players to be in better positions.

“That’s something we’ve worked on.

“I think we’ve prepared as best as we possibly can.”

“They’ve got a lot to worry about as well.

“Obviously we’ve got incredible pace throughout the team.

“We can attack in different ways.

“We’ve got some real technicians who can occupy pockets and find passes within that final area as well.

No matter what the result is tomorrow, the players and coaches at South Shields will have had an amazing season.

As Watson stated: “There’ll be definite disappointment if we don’t get promoted, but that disappointment won’t last for long.

“I know before we start, we’re going to be even better next year.”