South Shields ready to embrace underdog mentality ahead of Forest Green showdown

That is the sentiment of experienced South Shields defender Gary Liddle ahead of Saturday’s all-important FA Cup first round clash against League One Forest Green Rovers.

With a wealth of Football League experience to his name, Liddle joined the Mariners at the beginning of the season, hoping for a new challenge with the only full-time side currently playing in the Northern Premier League.

The Mariners are the only Step 3 side left in the competition, following an impressive fourth qualifying round victory over National League strugglers Scunthorpe United on home soil earlier this month.

Now they will prepare for a much trickier test as the footballing eyes of the nation turn to the 1st Cloud Arena.

“It seems to be happening more and more as the years roll by,” Liddle admitted. “There’s always one or two surprises with teams who manage to reach those proper rounds.

“It’s my first time in this league so I know the work and the amount of games that’s gone into actually reaching this stage.

“Hopefully as the only team left from our league, we can represent ourselves well and give it a good go on the day.”

Liddle is no stranger to professional opposition, having played for over 16 years for clubs including Hartlepool United, Notts County and Walsall, to name just a few.

He knows he will need to use every ounce of his big-game know-how if the Mariners are to spring another shock and keep their FA Cup dream alive.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career to play in some huge games at some of the biggest stadiums in the country, including in this competition,” he recalled.

“Playing at a packed Stamford Bridge for Bradford City against the stars of today and winning, that will go down as one of the greatest days of my career.

“As I always do, I’ll always be there to help anyone with advice or help, whether it be on the pitch or off it, as best I can.”

When it comes to the FA Cup, Liddle understands the unpredictability of a competition that has built a reputation for producing shock results and timeless moments of magic over the years.

“Each game is very different,” he said. “Playing a team from three leagues below, they will obviously fancy their chances of progressing, no matter how the form table looks.

“But over the years we’ve seen upsets. I’ve been involved in upsets, both winning and losing, so it can happen.

“We look forward whenever playing at the 1st Cloud Arena, and to go into it against League One opponents in the first round proper will be a great occasion for everyone.”

The game itself will be broadcast live on the BBC, but Liddle insists the televised aspect of the game won't add any extra pressure to his shoulders as an experienced player.

“Being the age I am and playing as long as I have it’s just something I find I embrace personally,” he said.

“The extra attention brought to the football club is fantastic though, and is deserving of the work the chairman and others have done over recent years.

“But I’ve always found that as soon as kick-off happens, the game and only the game is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“With playing at home in familiar surroundings, with our own brilliant fans behind us, it gives us the perfect opportunity to make it as difficult a day as possible for Forest Green.

“We’re under no illusions we’re the underdogs, which isn’t usually the case for us. But we’ll embrace that different challenge, like we did against Scunthorpe, and see where it takes us.”

It will be a tough test for Kevin Phillips’ side, with Forest Green boasting numerous capable Football League operators.

Within their ranks is former Crystal Palace and Sunderland striker Connor Wickham, who joined the club on a free transfer from MK Dons.

The 29-year-old has made 12 appearances so far this season, netting five times, and could be set to line up against Shields on Saturday.

For Liddle, the task of containing a former Premier League striker is one that he’s ready to embrace.

“It’s certainly a challenge I look forward to, for sure,” Liddle said.

“I always do my research on strikers I'd potentially be playing against. It’s something I’ve always done, and continue to do in the league I play in now.

“But I’ve played against Forest Green enough times to know that whatever strikers they do play, it will be an unbelievable task to keep them quiet, which will take a huge effort from us all.

“There’s players within our ranks who aspire to play league football, and with this game against league opposition, live on tv, in the biggest domestic cup competition in the world, there’s no better opportunity for our lads to challenge themselves.”

Photo credit: South Shields