The Quakers look to shock high-flying Shields

⚽ matchday 43

South Shields 🆚 Darlington

📅 Monday, April 6th, 3 pm

🏟️ 1st Cloud Arena

🎟  Sold Out

🔥 Match Preview

Darlo look to return to winning form when they take on high-flying South Shields on Monday.

The Quakers come into this game after a last-minute loss to Scarborough Athletic on Friday, when the sole Darlington goal came through an own goal off Kieran Weledji.

When playing away this season, Darlo have been strong with ten wins and three draws in 21 games with 34 goals scored and 32 conceded for a total of 33 points, which puts them 7th in the away form table.

Darlington’s opponents, South Shields, have 26 wins and 10 draws in 41 games, which has gained them 88 points, to put them second in the table.

The Mariners come into this game after a 1-1 draw away to Spennymoor on Friday with Paul Blackett getting on the scoresheet for South Shields.

When playing at the 1st Cloud Arena this season, Shields have only been beaten once and have won 16 of their 20 home games with 53 goals scored, and 13 conceded, which has gained them 51 points, to put them top of the home form table.

The last time the two teams met was back at the end of December, when South Shields travelled to Blackwell Meadows and picked up three points in a 2-1 win, with Darlo’s lone goal coming from former South Shields player Cedric Main. The last time Darlo travelled to the 1st Cloud Arena, Darlington won 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Cedric Main.

 

 

📰TEAM NEWS

Ellis Stanton has almost recovered from a hamstring injury, and may be on the bench

Alfie Myers-Smith is still out because of an injury

Ethan Fitzhugh is a week away from full fitness.

Keeper Rory Watson is out because of concussion, so Quakers are trying to sign an emergency keeper

 

👤 Player Spotlight

Once again, Paul Blackett has been the main threat for The Mariners this season, having scored 26 league goals this season. He has 11 goals in his last 11 games, scoring in their game on Friday against Spennymoor. He scored in the reverse fixture, where he scored the second goal for South Shields, who took all three points at Blackwell Meadows.

Robbie Tinkler is solid at the back, joining Shields in the summer from Gateshead. He has brought a wealth of experience at this level to the back line. Playing as a centre half this season, he can also play at right back. He has been a vital component, and this shows with South Shields having the strongest defence in the league, having only conceded 37 goals in 41 games.

 

📈 Recent results

🏁 Darlington

 

🟣SOUTH SHIELDS

  • 3rd April 2026: Spennymoor 1-1 South Shields (Blackett)
  • 28th March 2026: South Shields 3 (Wheeldon, Blackett, Dodds) Alfreton 0
  • 21st March 2026: South Shields 4 (Blackett X2, Finch, Bainbridge) Merthyr Town 1
  • 17th March 2026:King’s Lynn 3-0 South Shields
  • 14th March 2026: Hereford 2-1 South Shields (Wheeldon)

 

 

📊 League Records

🏁 Darlington

  • Position: 7th
  • Played: 42
  • Wins: 19
  • Draws: 8
  • Losses: 15
  • Goals For: 73
  • Goals Against: 61
  • Goal Difference: 12
  • Top Scorer: Main (18)
  • Points: 65

AWAY FORM:

  • Position: 7th
  • Played: 21
  • Wins: 10
  • Draws: 3
  • Losses: 8
  • Goals For: 34
  • Goals Against: 32
  • Points: 33

🟣SOUTH SHIELDS

  • Position: 2nd
  • Played: 41
  • Wins: 26
  • Draw: 10
  • Losses: 5
  • Goals For: 89
  • Goals Against: 37
  • Goal Difference: 52
  • Top Scorer: Blackett (26)
  • Points: 88

HOME FORM:

  • Position: 1st
  • Played: 20
  • Wins: 16
  • Draws: 3
  • Losses: 1
  • Goals For: 53
  • Goals Against: 13
  • Points: 51

 

🤝 Recent Games between the clubs

 

🔗 Advice on conduct

https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/south-shields-v-darlington-advice-to-fans-1

 

📻 Follow the Game

You can follow the game on Darlo Fans Radio, X, and the official website.