South Shields are on the brink of history. This Saturday, the Mariners face Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North play-off final, with a spot in the fifth tier—and a potential clash against local rivals Gateshead—hanging in the balance.

It's been a remarkable rise for a club that was playing in the sixth tier just three seasons ago. Last year, they finished 17th, but under the guidance of manager Ian Watson—a former assistant at Gateshead, MK Dons, and Carlisle United—they've transformed into promotion contenders. They even finished ahead of former EFL clubs like Macclesfield and Chester in the standings.

The road to the final hasn't been straightforward. On the last day of the regular season, a defeat away to Kidderminster cost them automatic promotion, with Fylde securing the title five points ahead. But after a hard-fought semi-final win against Buxton at home, South Shields have a second chance to reach uncharted territory.

"It's definitely a good thing that we played them a couple of weeks ago," Watson told BBC Look North. "The fact that we got beaten lights that feeling in our stomach—we're going to have to work really hard and play beyond our means to win this game because they're such a good team."

The stakes couldn't be higher. A win on Saturday (12:30 BST) would not only secure National League football for the first time in club history but also set up potential derbies against fellow Tynesiders Gateshead and Carlisle United. For a club that was playing non-league football just a few years ago, it's the stuff of dreams.

"When I came to the club, we talked about making special moments for the football club and the supporters," Watson added. "We did that earlier in the season with the FA Cup run, and the boys have provided incredible moments all season. But we haven't achieved anything yet. It won't be a nice occasion for us unless we win the game."