Ian Watson calls for strong mentality as South Shields title bid falls narrowly short

Ian Watson challenged South Shields to ‘create more special moments’ and secure promotion via the National League North play-offs after their title bid fell short on the final day of the season.

A solitary goal from Kidderminster Harriers forward Ryley Reynolds was enough to kill off the Mariners title hopes - but Watson’s men had chances with the likes of Paul Blackett, Will Jenkins and Cedwyn Scott all going close. However, the defeat and AFC Fylde’s win at Merthyr Town means Watson’s men will now focus their attention on the play-offs.

Speaking after the game, the Mariners manager said: “It makes it a little bit more difficult because you would like to know who you’re playing so you can do a little work. But the teams aren’t preparing to play us, they’re preparing to place each other on the Tuesday so we will watch that game and look forward to whoever it is.

“It’s a massive occasion and we have to remember we are creating something really special at this football club and whatever happens, this isn’t going to be it because we are only going in one direction. It’s important we stick together and work as hard as we can to prepare for next Saturday.”

There was a lively opening to the game as the hosts struck the crossbar with a flicked effort from Ryley Reynolds before Mariners midfielder Will Jenkins was denied by Harriers keeper Christian Dibble after neat interplay with Paul Blackett. The latter chance appeared to settle Watson’s men into the game and they came close as the midway point of the half passed when Cedwyn Scott’s cross forced panic in the home defence before the ball was cleared for a corner.

The aftermath of that chance was dominated by news Fylde had fallen behind at Merthyr to raise hopes the Mariners could take top spot in the division with just over an hour remaining in a long and draining season. There was almost even better news for Watson and his players when an error from Dibble presented Scott with a sight of goal but his goalbound effort was cleared from the line before the Mariners forward came close with a stunning long-range effort just before the break.

The momentum continued into the second half with Todd Alcock and Blackett going close within ten minutes of the restart as the Mariners looked to place even more pressure on the title rivals as Fylde continued to trail in Wales. News continued to filter through from Merthyr as the Coasters grabbed two quickfire equalisers to retain the upper-hand on a dramatic final day.

The pendulum swung further in favour of the leaders as South Shields fell behind on the hour mark with a neat finish from Reynolds as he fired home to round off a quick-paced counter-attack. That meant any thoughts of a push for the title and the Mariners were forced to focus their attention on the play-offs after Fylde grabbed a late winner at Merthyr to ensure they were crowned as champions.

Kiddersminster Harriers: Dibble, Devine, Obi, Donnelly (Thompson), Faayke, Walker, Evans, Johnson (Clarke), Davis (Kandola), Reynolds (Morgan-Smith), Robinson Subs: Waldron, Love

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Bainbridge, McGurk (Sykes), Blackett (Wheeldon), Jenkins (Kelly), Mann, Finch (Robson), Scott (Roles), Alcock, Dodds Subs: Morse, Watson

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