Kevin Phillips has warned “tough decisions” must be made in the aftermath of South Shields play-off semi-final defeat against Warrington Town. The Sunderland legend had hoped to end his first season in charge of the Mariners by celebrating promotion into the National League North - but those hopes were ended by a penalty shoot-out loss at the 1st Cloud Arena.
The tie was taken to a shoot-out after visitors forward Jordan Buckley punished some sloppy defending to cancel out a first-half strike from Darius Osei. With no further goals during extra-time, it was the Yellows that progressed with a 7-6 win on penalties to set up a play-off final meeting with Scarborough Athletic.
South Shields will now focus their attention on their first close-season under Phillips and the Mariners boss is keen to conduct an “overhaul” of his squad. The former England striker has only made one signing since he was appointed in January and that came when he took Sunderland youngster Sam Wilding on loan last month.
