Mike Williamson calls for South Shields FC to be more clinical after Sunderland friendly draw

South Shields FC head coach Mike Williamson challenged his players to find a more clinical side after they were held to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly against a Sunderland XI.

With summer signings Toby Onanaye, Kanya Leshabela and Adam Campbell in his starting lineup for his side’s first home friendly of the summer, Williamson watched on as the Mariners controlled large parts of the opening half-hour before falling behind to a neat finish from Black Cats youngster Kay Munyazaki. The lead remained in place until the midway point of the second-half when Cedwyn Scott got the Mariners back on level-terms with a close-range finish after Paul Blackett had been denied by Sunderland goalkeeper Joe Cowan.

However, the story of the day for Williamson was one of missed opportunities as a combination of impressive goalkeeping and wasteful finishing meant his side could only claim a draw.

The Mariners boss told The Gazette: “I thought we got a lot out of it - although I was disappointed to lose Robbie Tinkler so we will see how that plays out. But I’ve said to the boys the result was disappointing because you should always want to win and that’s got to hurt that we didn’t. We can’t come away thinking we’ve created so many chances and just accept it. We have to be frustrated so we have to be more clinical. It is only our second game and Sunderland were athletic, they made it difficult and we respect that. There was a lot to be positive about but we also have areas where we must improve.”

Unnecessary

Former Newcastle United defender Williamson was also left frustrated by what he described as a lack of concentration from his players as they surrendered possession in key areas on a number of occasions during the game. The Mariners boss pointed to the body language shown by his players at times in the game and called for an improvement as they continue to prepare for the new National League North season.

He said: “I said to the boys after the game, I don’t want to tag the best players in the world as boring, but they just do the simple things to such a high standard on a consistent basis and that’s where I want to get to. If we keep doing the things we have worked on in pre-season on a more consistent basis, we create more chances and both of their goalkeepers had exciting games. I thought a lot of it clicked and we controlled the majority of the game. When you look at it, my criticism was just that our body language showed a lot of concentration and we turned it over. It was unnecessary turnovers and I’d accept it if it was a lack of quality or an opposition stopping us with their athleticism - but if it’s being turned over on our terms, that’s what I can accept.”

The Mariners are back in action on Tuesday night when they host National League side Harrogate Town.

Your next South Shields FC read: Former Norwich City and Hartlepool United defender lands South Shields FC academy role