AFC Telford
vs
South Shields
Match Preview
"Bucks take on table toppers South Shields"
Match Date : November 22nd, 2025 3:00 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 15:00
The Bucks take on title-chasing South Shields this Saturday, with Kevin Wilkin’s men looking to get back to winning ways in the league.
After a blistering start to the season that saw the Mariners win 13 of their first 15 games in all competitions, recent defeats at Macclesfield and Merthyr have slightly checked the momentum of the table toppers, albeit they still sit in 1st place having picked up 39 points from 17 games. What’s more, the Tyne and Wear club have by far the division’s best defence (13 against – five better than the next best) and third-best attack (36 for).
It’s been a remarkable few years for the Mariners, who found themselves exiled in Peterlee just over a decade ago. Returned to their Filtrona Park (now Mariners Park) home in 2015 by local businessman Geoff Thompson, South Shields have earned four promotions in the ten seasons since, and appear to be on course to make another step up this year.
Winners of the Northern Premier League in 2022/23, much was expected of South Shields on their debut at Step 2. Despite a strong end to the 2023/24 season, the Mariners missed out on the playoffs by a point as they finished in 8th. They then had an underwhelming campaign last year, finishing 17th, which saw coach Elliott Dickman being shown the door.
Enter Ian Watson. Previously Mike Williamson’s assistant at Gateshead, MK Dons and Carlisle, Watson was a key part of the coaching team that saw the Heed stroll to the National League North title in 2021/22. Now striking out on his own, Watson turned to a couple of his former Gateshead charges to strengthen his South Shields squad in the summer. Defender Robbie Tinkler now captains the Mariners, while striker Cedwyn Scott has impressed on his return to non-league. Scott has 10 league goals so far this term, as does another former Gateshead man Paul Blackett. Since arriving in the summer of 2023, Blackett has bagged 63 league goals in his two and a bit seasons with the Mariners. The division’s top scorer in 2023/24 with 30 goals, Blackett found the net a further 23 times last term to finish second on the list.
Watson also brought in a raft of young faces too, with ex-Sunderland attacker Caden Kelly in particular impressing so far, while former Mickleover defender Ethan Mann has established himself in the Mariners defence.
While the Bucks won at Chesham in the FA Trophy last weekend, Kevin Wilkin’s men have picked up one point from three games in the league and will be looking to get back to winning ways. And while South Shields, who have the third-best away record, should prove to be tough opposition, the Bucks have been good on home soil this season, picking up 13 points at the SEAH Stadium.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Tickets are available online in advance, or from the ticket office on matchday. Please note that a £1 admin charge applies for adults and concessions when buying on matchday.
