Match Report: Hereford 2-1 South Shields

South Shields suffered their first defeat in the Enterprise National League North since December as they lost by one goal against Hereford on Saturday.

Harrison Sohna netted twice in the 65th and 76th minutes to put the hosts in control and while Lennon Wheeldon scored deep into stoppage time, there wasn’t enough time to grab an equaliser.

It means that Shields’ run of 16 league games unbeaten has been broken, and due to AFC Fylde’s win over King’s Lynn Town, the Mariners have dropped to second place in the table.

Despite that, the title race remains close with one point separating the top two sides.

Ian Watson’s side had the better opportunities during the first-half, but a strong defensive performance by the hosts prevented the Mariners from getting anything out of it.

Roles launched a cross into the six-yard box shortly after the restart - Blackett had a convincing touch at full stretch, but Theo Richardson had enough in him to deny the prolific forward. 

Sohna’s opener in the 65th minute came out of nowhere after the ball was sprayed across the goalmouth to no avail.

The 23-year old managed to pick up the pieces as he rifled a shot on the edge of the 18-yard box, and there was little Tom Watson could do to stop it from finding the back of the net.

That could also be said about his second goal 11 minutes later: an outstanding free-kick which landed in the top-right corner and fell just under the crossbar.

Shields gave everything to try and get something back; Ethan Robson came close with a shot from just outside the box which went narrowly past the post.

While Wheeldon did prevail in the 95th minute, it happened just too late for the travelling Mariners, who despite one final attack - Watson had a header on target - couldn’t do enough.

Up next for Shields is a visit to King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday, where they will be looking to bounce back (7:45pm kick-off).

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner (James 88’), Hudson, D’Ath (Tustin 73’), Sohna, Quansah, Munday, Daly (Donawa 80’), Martin (Williams 86’), Willcox, Howkins.

Unused substitutes: Preston, Lane, Lewis.

Goals: Sohna (65’, 76’).

South Shields: Watson, Tinkler, Bainbridge, McGurk, Blackett (Smith 90+3’), Jenkins, Mann, Finch (Sykes 80’), Alcock (Robson 80’), Dodds, Roles (Wheeldon 73’).

Unused substitutes: Sheik, Morse.

Goals: Wheeldon (90+5’).

Attendance: 2,764.

Image credit: Stephen Niblett (@nibbo1).