Shields get off the mark at Norton
SOUTH Shields earned their first point of the season of the season with an impressive display at Norton on Saturday.
The Mariners started the game on the front foot – Chris Winn, making his first start for the club, latched on to a long ball from Lee Paul Scroggins on the edge of the box, but was denied by a good save from Provett in the Norton goal.
The hosts responded instantly as Clarke combined with Earl, but Clarke's shot was turned round the post by Josh Carmichael for a corner.
A minute later Carmichael was called into action again, saving a Clarke free-kick.
Shields hit back and went close to opening the scoring as Simon Fitzpatrick's 30-yard effort was tipped over the bar.
There were further chances for the visitors as Tony Burnell and Winn both went close, but the Shields striker fired into the side netting.
However, it was Norton who took the lead – Earl toe-poking the ball over the line.
Shields responded and Burnell headed just wide after Barrie Smith crossed.
Shields maintained the pressure on the Norton defence and went close to restoring parity on 35 minutes, only for Simon Fitzpatrick's volley to be tipped over.
The home side started the brighter of the two sides in the second half, but Shields were back on level terms as Burnell raced down the flank before crossing to Winn, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1.
Provett continued to be the busier of the two keepers, saving from Winn and Scroggins in quick succession.
There were further chances for the South Tynesiders, but they found Provett in fine form.
In the closing minutes, Scroggins played the ball wide to Winn, who crossed for Sean Sweeney, but he headed wide and the game ended all square.
Shields are next in action tomorrow night at home to Billingham Town, kick off 7.30pm.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
