Match Report: Marine 4-1 South Shields FC

It was straight into the action as Marine were awarded a free kick, conceded by Carson on the edge of the box, leading to a direct free kick toward the back post which Seymour was able to punch away.

Unfortunately, it was Butler who as able to give Marine the lead with a header at the back post in the fourth minute of the game.

Marine were looking to add another straight away with Sinclair-Smith picking the ball up and driving down the right hand side, beating Shepherd in the process, he was able to cut back the ball to Marine’s number 9, Grant, however he was unable to convert.

In the 15th minute, it was Blackett who struck first in an attempt to give Shields their first goal of the afternoon, after he picked up the ball on the edge of the box, he fires towards the top right corner but Metcalfe pulls off an impressive diving save to deny him.   

However, two minutes later, Marine were up the other end of the pitch where it was Grant who was the man to give Marine their second with a diving header.

Shields, again were unlucky not to add a goal in the first half, with a looping cross coming toward Allan is met really well but it was blocked off the line by Wardle.

Marine added their third through Sinclair Smith when Grant was able to find him driving into the box, and after a good touch to bring it down he was able to knock it past Seymour.

In the 38th minute, McGowan did really well to win Shields a free-kick on the edge of the area. It was Mackenzie Heaney who stood over it. His effort was looking to be looping in but it struck the crossbar.

Marine were looking dangerous from set-pieces, with their fourth coming in the 44th minute from Wardle who was able to win a header at the back post from a corner.

Shields entered the second half with a tactical change, with McGowan being replaced by Sloan to offer more defensive coverage.

Allan received the only booking of the afternoon after denying a Marine attack.

Are much better defensive display in the second-half would see Shields win the second half with Crossley stabbing in a header in the 75th minute after a great run down the right hand side by Blackett who was able to find Crossley creeping into the six yard box to see it away.

Goals: Butler (4’), Grant (17’), Sinclair-Smith (33’), Wardle (44’), Crossley (75’)

SUBS

McGowan 🔄 Sloan 46’

Allan 🔄 Crossley 53’

Ward 🔄 Stephenson 61’