North Shields are travelling outside the north east for the first time in the competition for their quarter final tie at Erith and Belvedere on Saturday.

Shields have played seven games in the competition so far, and all of them have been in the north east – five against other Northern League clubs, and two against Emley and Phoenix Sports.

But assistant manager Andy Bowman believes that the team will cope with the change in environment and the journey to Welling, where their opponents play. Hartlepool United have kindly loaned their team bus to help in the preparations.

“All we can do is prepare in the best way we can. The manager, Graham Fenton, knows quite a few tricks of the trade from his pro career, and that will be helpful.

“There is no better reward than reaching the semi finals – who would have thought that at the start of our run way back in September. The players have done themselves proud, and we’ve told them that they’re good enough to win today. Even a draw will get Erith back to our place next Saturday.

“It’s great though to be in a position in which we’re talking about winning a quarter final, and if the lads are right physically and mentally, then they can do it.”

Shields will have a full strength squad available, which means that striker Gareth Bainbridge has an opportunity to add to his 15 goals already in the competition.