Unlucky Mariners go close to first points of the year
SOUTH Shields were defeated by Northern League champions Newcastle Benfield 2-0 at Sam Smith's Park on Saturday despite dominating for large spells of the game.
Benfield are on a fine run of form, but the Mariners more than matched them and were unlucky not to pick up their first league points of 2010.
In the opening 30 seconds of the game, Chris Feasey collected the ball wide on the left and raced past the home defence before crossing for Stephen Ramsey, but the Shields striker was unable to trouble the Benfield keeper.
Shields maintained the pressure on the home defence, but on six minutes – in their first foray into the Shields half – Benfield were awarded a penalty when James Oates was adjudged to have fouled Campbell.
Michael Chilton stepped forward to fire the spot-kick into the corner of the net to give the hosts an undeserved early advantage.
Shields responded well to the setback as Simon Fitzpatrick combined with Craig Ellison to release Ramsey, but his shot was well saved by Andrew Grainger.
South Shields debutant Josh Carmichael then saved well from Campbell, and from his resulting clearance, Grainger first denied Feasey and then Simon Fitzpatrick from the rebound.
Ramsey was then denied by a fine finger-tip save as Shields continued to press, before Tony Stephenson received the ball on the edge of the box, but the former Benfield striker's shot flew just wide of the post with Grainger well beaten.
Feasey was proving to be a constant threat on the left flank, and he set up a chance for Stephenson again, but he fired well wide.
But with five minutes of the half remaining, Chris Carr collected the ball wide on the right and his cross floated over the heads of the players and ended up in the back of the net to double the home side's advantage at the break.
South Shields started the second half as they had the first, on the front foot, and again it was Feasey tormenting the Benfield defence on the left flank.
The hosts then began to enjoy a period of possession, but were unable to break through a resolute South Shields defence that was well marshalled by Mark Gaffney.
Shields manager Gary Steadman made the first change of the day as Craig Tate – the goal hero in midweek – replaced Simon Fitzpatrick as he looked for a way back into the game.
Shields were beginning to gain control of the midfield, but could not find a way through the Benfield defence.
James Oates saw a shot blocked, and David Graham hit an effort from distance way over the bar.
In the final minute, Shields were awarded a free-kick 30 yards from goal and Graham found Stephenson in space, but his shot was well saved as Benfield held on to their two-goal advantage.
The defeat saw Shields slip to eighth in the table, but they will be hoping to take their improved form in to tomorrow night's game at fifth-placed Ashington.
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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
