FA Cup Preview: Leek Town V South Shields FC
Written by David Mighten on 28th September 2023
After Reaching the FA Cup first round proper last campaign, South Shields are looking to replicate that success this year.
WHEN AND WHERE
Julio Arca’s side head to The F Ball Community Stadium to face Leek Town Saturday, September 30, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 pm
The clash has been selected for TV coverage, with the match to be shown live via the BBC iPlayer, Red Button, and the BBC Sport website.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for concessions (over-65s and students in full-time education), £3 for under-18s and £1 for under-8s. They can be purchased from the Leek Town website.
ADAM SHAW PREVIEW
Adam Shaw is the head of the International Academy at South Shields Fc. He is involved in the operations of the club and has given an insight to their thoughts:
Credit @KevWilson19ghts:
“FA Cup games give a great opportunity to play teams outside of your league, a good cup run can bring more funds into the club”.
“The Club doing so well in the league will add a sense of belief and confidence within the squad, it will not take away from the game.
“Regarding the opponent, the neutral loves to see the underdog win. We expect Leek to put up a good Fight”.
“Playing Forest Green last year was great exposure for the club. Once you get to the furthest point in the club’s history that should be the minimum benchmark for this year”.
The Opposition
Members of the Northern Premier League Division One West, the 8th tier of English football, Leek are two Divisions lower than South Shields.
They find themselves 12th in their respective league, however if they take advantage of their games in hand, they can propel themselves up to 4th.
Leek is in top form coming into this match. In three FA Cup games they have scored 12 goals and only conceded twice.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
This will be the first meeting between the two teams.
LAST TIME OUT
Both teams overcame lower league opposition who proved to be more difficult than anticipated.
South Shields played Bishop Auckland who play their football two divisions lower. Shields 2-0 win was hard fought, with their goals coming in the 80th and 84th minute. They will be hoping for a more commanding performance this time around.
Similarly, Leek Town played lower league opposition in Worcester City. Leek’s breakthrough came via a penalty in the 64th minute and they were able to seal the win in the 79th minute. Like, South Shields they struggled to break down lower league opposition.
FORM GUIDE
South Shields enter this fixture in finer form.
Last 5, South Shields won 4, Draw 0, Lose 1, 2.6 Goals per match, 1.0 Goals Conceded per match.
Last 5, leek Town won 2, Draw 0, Lose 3, 3.2 Goals per match, 1.8 Goals Conceded per match. (Via AiScore)
