Ian Watson hails Sunderland help as South Shields chase promotion | OneFootball

Ian Watson says South Shields have been lifted by Sunderland’s support as they approach Saturday’s National League North play-off final against Kidderminster Harriers.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Mariners trained at Sunderland’s Academy of Light before last weekend’s semi-final win over Buxton after an offer from the Black Cats. They have returned there this week to prepare for the final.

Paul Blackett’s first-half penalty settled the semi-final, leaving Shields 90 minutes from promotion to the National League.

“We literally can’t thank Sunderland enough, can’t speak highly enough of the football club,” Watson said on Wednesday. “You talk about a football club that are just doing things for the community and helping.”

“We would have been lost without them in the last two weeks. They don’t need to help us. I can’t thank them enough, we really appreciate that.”

Promotion would move South Shields into the National League, leaving them one step from the EFL.

Source: Sunderland Echo