The Bulls take on the Mariners this weekend in the season opener at Edgar Street with both teams looking to kick start their season with three points.
Paul Caddis’ side will be looking to build on a positive pre-season campaign which saw them pick up four wins, two draws and just one loss. The most recent friendly was an impressive 0-0 draw against League Two side Newport County.
“I’m really pleased and proud of the performance (against Newport). We worked extremely hard and I thought our shape and communication was very good. We had chances as well so it wasn’t like we were constantly camped in,” said Caddis.
South Shields have also enjoyed a productive pre-season with impressive results including a draw against the Newcastle United U21s and a 4-3 win against League Two Grimsby Town.
Both sides will once again have aspirations of promotion this season with both coming close to a play-off finish.
Elliot Dickman’s side could not have come much closer finishing eighth, just one point outside of the play-offs and five above Hereford.
The Bulls also pushed for a spot in the top seven but in the end came short finishing 11th, six points off the play-offs.
Caddis and Dickman’s sides faced off against each other twice last season with a 0-0 draw in Tyne and Wear before a 3-0 win for South Shields at Edgar Street.
“They had a good result here last season where we made some individual errors so we now what they are about,
“They will be tough and well organised, they are a full time team that do a lot of work, they will try to keep possession but we will be on the front foot to try and win the game,” explained Caddis.
Team News
Hereford:
Jason Cowley is a confirmed absentee for the Bulls after coming off with an injury in the friendly against Halesowen Town.
“Cowley looks like he will out for another six to eight weeks which we’re very disappointed with. Luckily we’ve got good depth to deal with his absence,” stated Caddis.
Last season’s supporters’ player of the season Aaron Skinner returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines last Saturday, coming on for the last 15 minutes against Newport County.
“I don’t want people to get too excited and think Skinner will be back soon because he’s only trained three times with the actual squad. He’s been out for just over three months now with a 10cm tear on his hamstring and unfortunately we’ve run out of pre-season games to get him match sharp,” explained Caddis.
New signing Chay Tilt picked up a knock earlier on in pre-season but returned to action after coming on in the 62nd minute in the last friendly.
“Chay had a little problem with his groin but he’s back now. From what we’ve seen of him we’ve been really impressed in the games he’s played,” said the Hereford manager.
Pre-Season Results:
HEREFORD:
0-0 (H) Newport County
2-2 (A) Halesowen Town
0-3 (A) Stourbridge FC
2-3 (H) Birmingham U21
1-2 (A) Swindon Supermarine
3-1 (H) West Brom U21
0-2 (A) Westfields FC
SOUTH SHIELDS:
1-1 (H) Newcastle United U21
1-2 (A) Consett United
4-3 (H) Grimsby Town
0-2 (A) Shildon
0-5 (H) Hartlepool
0-5 (H) Sunderland
Ones To Watch
Tate Campbell (HEREFORD):
One of many new signings made by Caddis, Campbell arrived in the summer after being released by Birmingham City. The midfielder has had loan spells at Alvechurch and Bromley but struggled with injury. Campbell was signed after impressing in pre-season and fans will be hoping he can continue that form.
Paul Blackett (SOUTH SHIELDS):
Only one man who could be picked here. Last season’s top scorer in the league put pen to paper to extend his stay with Dickman’s side. His 30 goals in 44 appearances helped fire the Mariners to within touching distance of the play-offs. The Hereford defenders will certainly have their hands full on Saturday.
HEAD-2-HEAD
Hereford 0-3 South Shields (National League North) 30/1/2024
South Shields 0-0 Hereford (National League North) 7/10/2023
