Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has called for a united approach as South Shields look to move a step closer to promotion into the National League North on Tuesday night. The Mariners narrowly missed out on claiming the Northern Premier League Premier Division title after Buxton claimed top spot in the final week of the regular season.
That means Phillips’ side now have to negotiate their way through the play-offs if they are to join the likes of York City, Blyth Spartans and Darlington in non-league’s second tier. A familiar foe will make their way to the 1st Cloud Arena for a one-off semi-final tie as Warrington Town travel to the North East looking to replicate a famous win over their hosts.
It is just three years since the Yellows inflicted a narrow play-off final defeat on the Mariners - and Phillips has warned his side their visitors will be looking to “spoil the party” once again.
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“It’s the play-offs and I’ve had plenty of experience of play-offs in my career,” he explained. “I suppose we will say we have home advantage - but it’s the play-offs, it doesn’t really count for an awful lot because it’s about who turns up on the night, who is brave and who doesn’t bottle it.
“It’s who plays the football match and not the occasion. So there are lot of components you have to take into consideration and Warrington will want to come and spoil the party.
“They will fancy their chances and it’s up to us as individuals. We have said to them we will get them ready collectively as a team - but you have to get yourself ready.
“If we do that, combine together, we can beat anyone. We have got to stick together, we all want the same thing. We have a fantastic opportunity and our destiny is in our hands.”
Phillips will hand a recall to several regular members of his squad after rotating his side for Saturday’s season-ending defeat at Grantham Town. The winners of the tie will host the winners of the other semi-final between Matlock Town and Scarborough Athletic on Monday afternoon.
There is plenty of North East interest in the Northern Premier League East Division with the region providing three of the four sides in the two semi-final ties. Shildon’s first season in step four of the non-league pyramid ended with a fifth-placed finish and that has set up a trip to former Northern League rivals Marske United. And Stockton Town also enjoyed a successful maiden year in the division as they earned a semi-final tie at Cleethorpes Town.
