Mike Williamson praises South Shields FC's work-rate after battling draw with Merthyr Town

Mike Williamson cast aside some disappointment to praise the spirit of ten-man South Shields FC as they battled to a home draw against National League North rivals Merthyr Town.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes that offered plenty of effort and endeavour but little in the way of genuine chances, it was the Mariners that struck first with a fine finish from full-back Cain Sykes. However, a red card shown to captain Robbie Tinkler midway through the second-half left his side up against it as their lively visitors pressed forward in search of what would become a fully deserved equaliser.

However, there was understandable frustration for Williamson and his coaching staff as their lead was wiped out with ten minutes remaining when Ben Margetson rose unmarked to meet a corner from the right-hand side an ensure the Welsh outfit claimed a share of the spoils.

Despite his understandable disappointment, Mariners boss Williamson pointed to the work-rate and spirit his players showed as they played for almost half an hour with ten men in baking heat at Mariners Park.

He told The Gazette: “With the manner of the goal, we are disappointed - and when you look at the whole game, we gave away chances in the first-half. I think it’s a fair result overall, but they won’t say that. We controlled elements of the game, which is pleasing. To concede from a set-piece is disappointing - but I won’t judge them on that. It’s a hot day, it’s been cool all week and it felt like it intensified as the game went on. But overall, the spirit and the work-rate they showed on a day like this is a good return.”

‘Their commitment is fantastic’

Williamson and his coaching staff now have the luxury of a full week on the training pitch as they look to work on some of the shortcomings they have identified following the draw against Merthyr. Despite dropping their first points of the season, the first weeks of the campaign have been positive with the draw meaning the Mariners have now collected 10 points from their opening four games.

There is a feeling they have quite found their stride under Williamson - and the Mariners boss believes that hard work on the training pitch will bring about an improvement ahead of a hectic Bank Holiday weekend.

“I think the exciting part is there is a lot more to come from the players,” he explained. “Results-wise, we’ve been brilliant. Today was a little blip - but their commitment is fantastic and you can see the quality and the experience we have got here. But now we have to show there is more to come and keep working hard to keep improving because we now have a tough weekend coming up.”

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Marshall, Sykes, Leshabela (Roles), Blackett, McGurk (Kelly), Mann, Scott (Savage), Ashford (Chibueze), Campbell (Onanaye) Subs: All used

Merthyr Town: Cogman, Foulston, Livermore (John), Margetson, Humphries (Harris), Wigley, Maddox, Simpson, Watts (Smerdon), Evans, Williams (Evans) Subs: Thomas, Burns, Matthews

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