Mid-week Evo-Stik North preview: South Shields hoping to stay top after Minstermen upset

By Alex Beard
SOUTH SHIELDS will be welcomed back to reality by their adoring fans at Mariners Park tonight, and it doesn't get more real than a game against bottom side Goole – FA Cup tie with York this is not.
That victory over the Minstermen on Saturday was one of the finest in recent memory for the Mariners, and it's important they keep the momentum going with another three points against the division's bottom feeders.
There will be few fancying the Vikings tonight, with Karl Rose's side having failed to get a single point on the road this season – an encounter with the league leaders is unlikely to be where that particular duck ends.
Bamber Bridge will be looking to keep pace with South Shields when they  welcome fifth place Prescot Cables to Irongate this evening. Neil Reynolds' side won at Ramsbottom this weekend, and now face an even tougher task against the Cables.
There's an important clash down at the bottom of the table this evening, with struggling Ossett Albion facing an equally uninspiring Colne team. Both teams have won just once all season, but Albion's -20 goal difference suggests the Reds could grab their second tonight.
The aforementioned Ramsbottom United are in action tonight, they welcome Brighouse Town to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. Meanwhile, Hyde United are up against Atherton Collieries looking to rise up the table having played just eight games so far this season.
Skelmersdale United have endured a tricky start to the campaign, but will be hoping to claim just their second win of the season against 15th place Kendal Town. Finally, Trafford welcome Clitheroe to Shawe View this evening aiming to move level on points with their opponents with a win.