South Shields fail to rise to challenge in big-game atmosphere

David Foley goes through against North Shields. Pic: Peter Talbot

A huge crowd of 1,349 at Mariners Park created a big-game atmosphere, but it fell flat for the hosts as they fell three goals behind in the opening 34 minutes.

Despite a second-half fightback which saw the Mariners hit the woodwork three times, the damage had already been done as they lost 3-0.

The FA Vase holders took the lead within the first two minutes when a ball into the box from the left fell to Gareth Bainbridge, who touched the ball past Gareth Young before finishing calmly.

The home side appeared nervous in the early stages and were unable to get a foothold.

The Robins, though, looked better in most departments, and after Ben Richardson went close with a free-kick, they made it 2-0 after 15 minutes when Marc Lancaster tapped in at the back post.

Bainbridge missed another opportunity, but with the hosts still struggling to get going, the third goal arrived when Dan Wilson had the time and space to pick his spot from close range.

David Foley dragged a decent chance wide and was then denied by a superb save from Chris Bannon as the hosts showed signs of improvement.

That continued in the second half, and the Mariners – who were without Julio Arca, Martyn Coleman, Danny Carson, Scott Pocklington, Wayne Phillips, Lewis Galpin and Josh Richardson – almost got back into it when Stephen Ramsey’s header was excellently tipped onto the bar by Bannon.

Robert Briggs also hit the woodwork as his free-kick was deflected onto the post, while Adam Sakr shot narrowly over.

Michael Turner headed against the bar as the Mariners were denied again, and they must have then known it was not going to be.

Substitute Warren Byrne twice went close, while at the other end, Ryan McGorrigan hit the post as North Shields aimed to score a fourth.

Young did well to tip over an effort from Lee Mason, but the Robins had long since secured their victory.

The Mariners were given a boost elsewhere, with title rivals Ryhope CW losing 4-2 at home to Easington Colliery.

The Mariners will hope to extend their lead at the top of Northern League Division Two when they travel to Thornaby on Saturday.

SOUTH SHIELDS: Young, Hassan (Riding 81), Grey, Hall (Byrne 53), Turner, Briggs, Smith, Scroggins (c), Ramsey, Foley, Sakr (Teasdale 61). Subs not used: Connor, Peter Kane.

Attendance: 1,349.