The Robins return to Cup action tonight as they welcome Consett to the Daren Persson Stadium for the quarter-final of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup.
After Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 home draw against Ashington, Shields manager Marc Nash will be looking for a response from his side; with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
And Wednesday’s guests will be arriving on a wave of confidence after their heroics in the FA Vase quarter-finals, which saw them come from a goal behind to beat Atherstone Town 3-1 after extra time; setting up a semi-final tie against Bitton.
Despite this, the Steelmen have struggled for consistent form in recent weeks. Wins in the FA Vase against Deal Town and Atherstone Town have been followed by defeats to Stockton Town and Newton Aycliffe.
Their last victory in the League came at home against Ashington, with goals from Nick Allen, Matthew Slocombe, Luke Carr and Calvin Smith handing them a confortable 4-1 win.
In the last round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup, Consett let a three-goal lead slip against Whitley Bay before overcoming the Seahorses in a penalty shootout.
As for the Robins, a last minute goal from Scott McCarthy, now of Whickham, helped us to a 3-2 win against high-flying Division Two side Ryton & Crawcrook Albion.
Questions marks will be raised about the availability of Ryan Carr, who has missed the last few games, and top scorer Kyle Patton, who went off early in the second half against Ashington with a knock.
Last Time Out
The last time these two sides met, Shields held on for a 3-2 home win, with golas from Paul Van-Zandvliet, Connor Campbell and Ryan Carr hand the hosts a commanding lead, before strikes from Calvin Smith and Jermaine Metz set up a nervy finish.
