South Shields dare to dream of promotion glory

Ian Watson worked as assistant to Mike Williamson at three different clubs [Getty Images]

South Shields stand one game away from National League football for the first time in their history as they gear up for the play-off final.

Shields face Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North on Saturday (12:30 BST), with a place in the fifth tier up for grabs.

Defeat away to Harriers on the last day of the regular season last month cost the Mariners automatic promotion as Fylde went up as champions, five points ahead of them.

But after beating Buxton at home in the semi-final, they have a second chance to reach uncharted territory.

"It's definitely a good thing that we played them a couple of weeks ago," manager Ian Watson told BBC Look North.

"The fact that we got beaten lights that feeling in our stomach that we're going to have to work really hard and play beyond our means to win this game because they're such a good team."

This is only South Shields' third season in the sixth tier and they finished down in 17th just 12 months ago.

But the appointment of Watson has been a masterstroke as the former assistant at Gateshead, MK Dons and Carlisle United propelled them up the table, finishing ahead of former EFL clubs like Macclesfield and Chester.

Now they stand on the cusp of club history with potential fixtures against fellow Tynesiders Gateshead, plus Carlisle to come if they can achieve promotion.

"When I came to the club, we talked about making special moments for the football club and the supporters," said Watson.

"I feel like we did that earlier in the season with the FA Cup run and the boys have provided some incredible moments for the supporters all season.

"We haven't achieved anything yet. It's nice everyone's family and friends will be there, but it won't be a nice occasion for us unless we win the game."