Match Report: South Shields 0-1 Hereford

South Shields were left frustrated after Hereford claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday night.

Yusifu Ceesay struck in the 70th minute to break the deadlock and pick up all three points, as the visitors left the North East successful in their pursuit of victory. 

Elliott Dickman will no doubt be disappointed by the manner in which the defeat unfolded, and it’s fair to say things didn’t get off to the best start for his side.

Dillon Morse was taken off just four minutes into the game through injury and he was replaced by Will Jenkins, who made a decent contribution in his absence. 

‘Keeper Myles Boney was heroically called into action moments after to make up for a defensive mistake - Shields were fortunate not to have gone behind so early on. 

The closest Shields came to a goal in the first-half was undoubtedly when Blackett surged through on goal, a blistering counter-attack, and it felt like he did everything but score. 

It was a moment supporters might look back on with regret knowing the final score, but in the moment it felt as though the Mariners would get plenty of other opportunities to strike.

Blackett tried a shot but it was parried away by Hereford goalkeeper, Theo Richardson. 

The Mariners controlled the ball well in typical fashion, though Hereford potentially had the best chance in the first-half.

A sensational bit of play from Jaiden White, and some silky moves alongside it, led to his cross at Ceesay at the back post but he glanced it just wide.

After the break, the visitors grew into the game, but not before Shields tested Richardson twice.

David Carson, making his first start for the club, shot just wide before Kyle Crossley had an effort blocked. 

The goal came as a result of some unfortunate circumstances, it must be said.

Boney had done brilliantly to stop Ceesay the first time around, but the ball fell straight back to him to slot it home.

No doubt the away fans will be grateful their efforts were rewarded after making their longest trip of the season, but it did mean the home fans went away empty-handed once again.

Boney prevented a second Hereford goal right at the death and what a stop that was to clear it out.

That result means Shields have dropped to 15th in the Vanarama National League North table, but they host Chester on Saturday in the hopes of making up some ground against the top 12.

South Shields: Boney, Hughes (Myers-Smith 82’), Morse (Jenkins 4’), Briggs, Shepherd, Carson, Mee (Evitt 82’), Smith, Heaney, Crossley (Stephenson 66’), Blackett. 

Unused substitutes: Seymour. 

Hereford: Richardson, Robinson, Howkins, Preston, Hudson, Campbell, Mitchell (Andoh 63’), Babos, White (Skinner 90+3’), Ceesay (Sturridge 82’), Williams (Cowley 63’). 

Unused substitutes: McGlynn. 

Goals: Ceesay (70’). 

Attendance: 1,495. 

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19).