Demise of Villagers may boost the Mariners
SOUTH Shields could see their bid for a fourth consecutive promotion given an unexpected boost over the coming days.
The Mariners currently sit in third place in the Evo-stik NPL Premier Division – two points behind second-placed Warrington Town and a further two behind leaders Farsley Celtic.
However, all three clubs are awaiting the outcome of a league committee meeting that will take place today.
The biggest topic of conversation will be Friday’s announcement that the division’s basement club North Ferriby United had been wound up over an unpaid bill.
The Villagers saw their 85-year history ended at a hearing held at Hull County Court on Friday when a petition to wind up the club was upheld.
The Evo-stik League committee could decide to expunge North Ferriby’s results for the season, a decision that would move the Mariners up to second in table and they would sit just one point from the top.
However, league chairman Mark Harris refused to confirm what steps would be taken over the coming days.
Speaking on Friday, he said: “The league is still seeking formal confirmation of what happened during this morning’s high court hearing.
“We have a league board meeting on Sunday and all options will be explored and discussed during that meeting.
“A further announcement will be made at some point after that meeting.
“But we must be mindful that we are talking about a football club, where a lot of people have a strong emotional attachment.
“We can’t rush into any decision, we have to take our time to make sure we make the right decision.”
South Shields return to action next Saturday when they host Hyde United at Mariners Park.