Fenton: We are proud of what we have done

SOUTH Shields joint-manager Graham Fenton believes that his side are “in a decent place” despite their FA Cup first round defeat at Skybet League Two club Cheltenham Town.

The Mariners had seen off Northern Premier League rivals Warrington Town and Ashton United before securing famous wins over higher level opposition to continue a remarkable cup run.

A penalty shoot-out victory at Southport was followed by an impressive 2-0 home win against National League side FC Halifax Town to progress into the first round for the first time since 1973.

However, the step up to face Football League opposition proved to be a step too far for the Mariners as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Jonny Rocks stadium.

They will now turn their focus towards their Northern Premier League title bid once the competitive action resumes after the four-week lockdown imposed upon them.

After the defeat in Gloucestershire, Fenton revealed his pride at his side’s progression into the first round and their performance against the Robins.

“We know we are in a decent place,” he explained.

“It’s been a tough run.

“You go away to Warrington, you go away to Ashton and then you go away to Southport.

“They are three tough ties to start with and then we had a tough home tie against Halifax, where we played particularly well on the day.

“We knew it was really tough, but fancied ourselves game.

“We had belief that we could come here and get a result, and if those big moments had gone the other way, maybe we could have done that today.

“But we are proud of what we have done.” going to be we actually before the