North Shields skipper Kevin Hughes says that they have a “brilliant opportunity” to progress in the Vase when they go to Erith and Belvedere in the quarter finals on Saturday afternoon.

Shields are the surprise packages of the competition, having been promoted from the Northern League second division last season, and they’re confident that they can win at Welling United’s ground in London today and reach the semi finals for the first time in their history.

“It’s a massive, massive game for us, but it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to progress to the semi finals,” he said.

“The squad that the manager, Graham Fenton, has put together has got excellent spirit. There are no big time charlies or cliques in the squad, and everybody turns up for training. Everyone encourages each other, and there’s a fantastic camaraderie.

“We have a brilliant manager, and he and his management team put on some great training sessions. A lot of our success this season is down to him. He’s used his past experience in the game to good effect, and he’s very knowledgeable.”

Shields set off yesterday for London – their first game in this season’s competition outside the north east -- and despite the long distance, everyone was looking forward to the trip.

“The journey and overnight stay will give us plenty of time to get our team spirit going. Everybody is looking forward to a nice weekend away, the journey down and the overnight stay in the hotel. We’ve got all sorts planned.

“We’ll make sure that we prepare properly, and get our camaraderie going.”

Striker Gareth Bainbridge has scored 15 goals in the Vase so far this season, and Hughes said; “Gareth has been absolutely brilliant over the last two seasons. He was top scorer last season, and he’s banging them in again this season. He’s a great character and a good lad to have around the dressing room. He’s a natural finisher. But there are other lads who can score goals, such as Denver Morris and Dean Holmes, and the lads in midfield.”

Shields are the last Northern League club left in the competition – the league has had at least two at this stage for several years – and Hughes said; “I really thought Dunston would win last Saturday, but it just goes to show that there are still some good teams left in the competition. To be honest, I don’t think we’ll get a better chance.

“We’re the joint favourites for the competition, but that gives great credit to the lads because it shows how well we’ve done this season. At the start of the season, we set ourselves the targets of finishing in the top half of the league and having a good Vase run, and we’ve achieved those already. We know that on our day, we can beat anybody.”