Radcliffe return to the Neuven Stadium for the first of two consecutive home matches following a run of three winless games, despite winning three in a row prior to last Tuesday. A 1-1 draw at Rushall Olympic is an improved result last time out, and heading back to M26 will give Bernard and Jonno’s side a fresh challenge to concur.

Points in the next two matches are important with the rest of March consisting of five matches away from home, including two trips up the A1(M) to the North East and a visit to Oxford. This match is one of the Boro’s three games in hand against some of the other sides in the division, with no other teams in the relegation battle playing on Tuesday night.

The Opposition

Before the new year, South Shields had one of the most prolific attacks in the division as the Tyneside outfit scored 40 goals in just 24 matches, more than any other side at that point. However, they have never strayed too far away from a zero goal difference with the amount conceded also running on the high side.

Recent form is a tale of two sides for Tuesday night’s visitors. At the 1st Cloud Arena, South Shields have won each of their last three matches including a 2-0 victory over league leaders Chester. However, away from home they have just one point from the last five which was a 1-1 draw at Spennymoor Town, only Rushall Olympic have a worse record over the past five away matches.

Of the 50 goals that the Mariners have scored this season, only 18 have been dispatched on the road. To make matters worse for South Shields, they have conceded 66% of their goals away from home, making points hard to find when they’re on their travels.

Ones To Watch

27-year-old centre forward Paul Blackett is the National League North’s top goalscorer, leading Kidderminster’s Ashley Hemmings by one goal. The former Gateshead and Spennymoor Town man has 18 goals in 29 appearances, despite missing portions of the season due to injury. The forward’s biggest haul for the season to date came against relegation-threatened Farsley Celtic where the number nine scored three in 45 minutes.

Kyle Crossley has been almost as important in front of goal having been credited with 14 goal contributions across 34 appearances so far this campaign. The 20-year-old signed for South Shields fresh out of the Newcastle United academy ahead of the current campaign where he scored 11 goals the year before in the U21 side. Recently, Crossley scored twice in his last six appearances with a goal against Alfreton Town and league leaders Chester.

Stat Pack

19th – League Position – 14th
33 – Games Played – 34
36 – Points – 46
9 – Wins – 14
9 – Draws – 4
15 – Losses – 16
41 – Goals For – 50
56 – Goals Against – 49
Hulme (10) – Top Goalscorer – Blackett (18)

Last Time Out

22nd October 2024 – South Shields 0-1 Radcliffe

Fresh off the back of Radcliffe’s first ever win in the National League North against Brackley Town, an unchanged 11 took all three points away from the 1st Cloud Arena.

The first half passed with minimal chances for either side. Brad Jackson had a weak effort at goal blocked before Josh Hancock fired over the rebound. Neither goalkeeper had much to do with Miles Boney only being required to cut out Brad Roscoe’s through ball intended for Tunde Owolabi.

Chances were few and far between in the second half also, but on the 75-minute mark, Rick Smith’s volley was judged to have struck the hand of Mackenzie Heaney on the goal line, subsequently sending the South Shields man off with a straight red card and handing Hancock the chance to put Radcliffe ahead which he gratefully took, blasting the ball down the centre of the goal.

Mateusz Hewelt had to be alert to tip Smith’s powerful effort over the bar in the 89th minute after Briggs played it low on the edge of the box for the midfielder to strike with venom, but he was denied by the Boro’s shot-stopper who was equal to the attempt. From Jenkins’ following corner, Rick Smith rose highest to head clear with a brilliant piece of defending to momentarily relieve the away side of pressure, and Radcliffe managed to seal maximum points after six minutes of additional time.

Matchday Information

Date: 04/03/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: Free

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Can’t Attend The Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 7:35pm.

Around The Grounds

Southport v Leamington
Spennymoor Town v Darlington