South Shields v Forest Green: Rovers likely to outclass seventh-tier hosts

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for South Shields v Forest Green in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

Where to watch

BBC One, midday Saturday

Best bet

Forest Green
4pts 17-20 bet365

Match preview

Forest Green are on a hiding to nothing at the 1st Cloud Arena where they may find it hard to overcome South Shields.

Tier seven versus tier three ought to only end one way, but South Shields are a club on the up.

Top ex-pros such as Gary Liddell and Blair Adams have turned their defence into the best in the Northern Premier – they have kept nine clean sheets in all competitions – and ambitious boss Kevin Phillips, the ex-Sunderland marksman, will fancy his chances.

But having said all of that, the home team don't score many and you would expect the tier-three side in a fixture like this to be far shorter than the 17-20 being chalked up against Forest Green, who are playing top teams week in, week out.

Key stat

South Shields have conceded seven goals in 12 Northern Premier League matches

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 65" TV

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport