South Shields FC came from behind to secure a 3-1 home win over play-off rivals Chester on Saturday afternoon.
After a month away from Wolf Competitions Stadium, Mike Williamson’s side were looking to bounce back from successive National League North defeats and an FA Cup exit.
Cedwyn Scott and Toby Onanaye were Shields’ two scorers in the 3-2 defeat at Halifax Town last time out in the cup. And the pair were on the scoresheet once again, only this time they weren’t consolation strikes as they saw Shields come from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 before substitute Caden Kelly added a third late on.
It wasn’t the ideal start for the Mariners in their first home match in four weeks with Chester taking the lead through Billy Waters’ powerful tight-angled effort with 21 minutes on the clock.
Shields needed a response and got one seven minutes later through Scott, who slid home a loose ball inside the penalty area to make it 1-1 before the half-hour mark. The goal gave Shields confidence to push for a second but the scoreline remained the same as the sides went in at half-time.
Chester regained some control early in the second half but it was Shields who scored their second goal of the game to complete the turnaround. Onanaye arrived on the edge of the box with a tidy finish into the middle of the goal to make it 2-1 just after the hour mark.
Substitute Caden Kelly then pounced to make it 3-1 in the closing stages and put the game to bed. The win sees Shields move three points clear of Chester to strengthen their grip on the play-off places with 12 games played.
Here are our South Shields player ratings from the match (photos courtesy of Kev Wilson/South Shields FC)...
5. Joe Emery - 6
Did well to cut out a dangerous cross to the back post in the first half. Linked up well with Dan Dodds down the left. | Kevin Wilson
6. Khanya Leshabela - 7
Sprayed the ball forward well from deep and kept things ticking over to give Shields control after a tricky start. A very tidy midfield display. | Kevin Wilson
7. Toby Onanaye - 8
Carried the ball forward well and got stuck in to win back possession in some dangerous areas. Made his presence felt on and off the ball and capitalised on a swift attacking move by charging into the box and putting Shields ahead just after the hour mark. | Kev Wilson
8. Dan Dodds - 8
Made several important defensive contributions when tracking back, making things look easy at times. Denied by the goalkeeper in the build-up to Scott's equaliser. Industrious down the left side with key contributions at both ends of the pitch. A superb showing in the first half but faded slightly in the second, where he misplaced a few passes, gifting the ball back to Chester. | Kevin Wilson