Team Valley Group ·
18 April 2026 
Saturday sees Ian Watson’s Mariners take the trip to North Manchester as they prepare to clash heads with Bernard Morley’s Radcliffe FC.
The weekend fixture sees both sides come into the tie looking to get back to winning ways as the Mariners fell to defeat against Darlington, while the hosts fell to a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Enterprise National League North leaders, AFC Fylde.
The Mariners, despite their recent outing, hold a mental advantage over Morley’s side as the reverse fixture saw Watson’s men dominate in what turned out to be a comfortable 3-0 triumph for the men from South Tyneside.
Morley’s Radcliffe come into the game looking to gain their first win since late February, when they triumphed in a 2-1 home win against Peterborough Sports. Since then, Morley’s side have picked up just two points from a maximum of 27.
Watson’s Mariners, on the other hand, come into the clash looking to catch league leaders AFC Fylde. If the visitors are to gain the three points in North Manchester, their source to victory could come through their superstar striker Paul Blackett.
One to watch
Blackett failed to score in the Mariners last outing; however, he had scored in each of the Mariners three previous fixtures, including a brace against Merthyr Town. Watson will then be hoping his centre-forward can fire once more and earn his side a victory on Saturday.
One to watch from the hosts’ eleven – and a potential path to victory for Radcliffe could be through their top scorer Rio Clegg. Clegg netted in the host’s previous frantic seven-goal thriller with AFC Fylde. The forward also will be looking for his 25th league goal of the season.
Highlights from South Shields’ latest fixture can be viewed below.
Information for supporters
Admission Prices
Adults £15.00
Concessions £10.00 (65 and over, students with card.)
Under 16’s Free
Tickets in advance:
https://radcliffefc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/radcliffe_fc_vs_south_shields
Programmes are available in the ground: £2.00
Stadium Facilities
The match will be segregated, but there will be facilities inside the away end. Refreshment kiosks will be open before and during the match inside the stadium.
Parking
Additional parking for supporters is available at Radcliffe Cricket Club, 5 minutes from the ground at a cost of £2 per vehicle.
Radcliffe Cricket Club
Homer Street
Radcliffe
M26 3RF
Disabled Parking: we can accommodate blue badge holders in the stadium parking, please email viv.ware@radcliffefc.com for more information.
