Mike Williamson hails attacking duo as South Shields FC see off Buxton
South Shields were in impressive form as they claimed a 4-0 home win against National League North rivals Buxton.
South Shields FC head coach Mike Williamson praised attacking duo Paul Blackett and Cedwyn Scott after his side claimed a 4-0 home win against National League North rivals Buxton.
The former Gateshead duo both found the net in the first-half before second-half strikes from winger Sean McGurk and substitute Caden Kelly gave the Mariners an impressive win against a Bucks side they will face in an FA Cup third qualifying round tie next weekend. Speaking after the win, Williamson admitted his side ‘haven’t really found a rhythm’ in the final third so far this season - but was left enthused by the performances from two of his key men during the win.
He told The Gazette: “I thought everyone was excellent and Blacky [Blackett] is struggling with his heel but there is no doubt he will always give you everything. Cedwyn has been absolutely outstanding and I just wanted it to click for those boys because I know that’s what they care about and we haven’t really found a rhythm yet. I think AC [Adam Campbell], Blacky and Ceds will all be a bit disappointed with their return from the season so far as we are as a team - but we are using that as fuel to get better and we have to say we were brilliant today.”
After a quiet opening quarter of an hour, it was the visitors that created the opening chance of the game as Mariners keeper Jasper Sheik denied Tony Weston after the Bucks forward had seized on an Ethan Mann error and raced in behind the home defence.
Weston then failed to make strong contact with a header from close range minutes later - and his inability to punish some slack marking cost his side as the Mariners took charge of affairs midway through the half. Blackett forced an error in the visitors defence and got a partial block and a pass out from the the back - and the loose ball fell the way of the lurking Scott, who cut inside a challenge before tapping into an empty net.
Confident
Scott returned the favour just two minutes before the break as his pinpoint cross allowed Blackett to head back across goal and inside the far post - although his effort only just crept over the line to give his side a two-goal advantage at the break.
The lead was extended further on the hour-mark - and there was no surprise to see goalscorers Scott and Blackett involved once again as the latter saw an effort cleared from the line but McGurk was on hand to fire home the loose ball. Any doubt over the destination of the points came to an end with 20 minutes remaining as Mariners substitute Kelly seized possession high up the pitch, cut inside on his right foot and curled a sumptuous effort into the far corner to round off a confident display from Williamson’s side.
South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Leshabela (Jordan), Onanaye, Blackett (Clegg), McGurk (Kelly), Mann (Roles), Scott (Crossley), Campbell, Dodds, Emery Subs: Chibueze, Blaney
Buxton: Stretch, Cousin-Dawson (Cooper), Burton, Tuntulwana (Waltman), Weston (Johnston), Brockbank, Mee, Pescatore (Devonport), Scales (Trueman), Tipton, Siqueira Subs: Grist, Melville
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