Mariners into final with 'really special' support

TL;DR

South Shields FC advances to the National League North play-off final after defeating Buxton 1-0. The Mariners will face Kidderminster Harriers at home, with a chance for promotion to the National League.

Key points

South Shields FC won against Buxton 1-0
Paul Blackett scored the match-winning penalty
The Mariners will face Kidderminster Harriers in the final
The final is on home turf
A win would promote South Shields to the National League

South Shields FCKidderminster HarriersNational League NorthEnglish Football League

Paul Blackett celebrates after scoring a penalty as other South Shields FC players approach him. They are wearing claret and blue shirts with white shorts and socks.

Paul Blackett was the match-winner against Buxton with a 41st-minute penalty [South Shields FC/Kev Wilson]

South Shields' fans have been thanked for their support this season as the club prepares for Saturday's National League North play-off final.

The Mariners will face Kidderminster Harriers on home turf having overcome Buxton 1-0 in their semi-final.

A win would see them promoted to the National League - one level below the English Football League.

Manager Ian Watson said the backing from supporters had been "really special" and a crowd of 4,000, including 1,200 from Kidderminster, is expected this weekend.

South Shields finished second in the league, five points behind champions Fylde and eight in front of this weekend's opponents who were third.

Harriers, though, won both games between the clubs, with the second being played at Kidderminster just over a week ago.

Watson told BBC Radio Newcastle on Monday: "The fire's burning in our belly to put that right.

"We're going into the game as underdogs, strangely enough, because we finished higher in the league but they've beaten us twice and I think they've won their last six or seven games in a row."

'Biggest game'

Watson said the build-up would involve trying to "manage the boys' emotional state".

"We definitely got a bit too intense and anxious at times [against Buxton] and it led to the game going away from us.

"Going into Saturday, their batteries will be totally recharged and we'll help them this week as much as we can, hoping they can remain calm at the right moments and are prepared and ready to go."