MATCH REPORT: SOUTH SHIELDS 1-1 BEDFORD TOWN

Ethan Mann’s last-gasp, stunning equaliser rescues South Shields in dramatic final home league fixture 

The hosts final home game and penultimate fixture of the season began well, with Sean McGurk crafting an early chance, however the strike was always rising and was too, unable to break the deadlock. 

In fact the opener didn’t come until the 62nd minute, when the Eagles broke through on goal with George Moncur slotting away for the visitors. 

The opener then, allowed for the next 28 minutes inside the 1st Cloud Arena to be utter pandemonium. 

This pure chaos and relentless nature in the hosts' search for a goal, soon paid off, with just minutes to spare.

Step up, defender Ethan Mann, who thundered the ball into the back of the net, equalising the tie. 

The Mariners came into their penultimate league fixture against the Eagles confident, having slotted nine goals past their previous two opponents in Radcliffe FC and Macclesfield FC. 

The hosts, too, came into the tie making only one change from their midweek triumph against Macclesfield. The powerful front-man, Lennon Wheeldon came into the lineup with Jack Roles dropping to the bench.

South Shields began their final home league fixture of the season rather well. 

The hosts crafted a chance inside 14 minutes - McGurk, the one who came close. 

The winger drifted inside the box after receiving the ball from Bainbridge before thumping a strike toward the top corner, however the ball was rising and unable to put the hosts ahead. 

Just three minutes later, the Mariners were at it again, so too was McGurk. This time, the corner was played short and received by McGurk who drove from the right side of the field toward the box before lashing a left-footed effort toward Nathan Ashmore’s top right, however again the strike was ever so slightly off target.

In the second-half the hosts’ had multiple efforts to get their opener, however the first of many, came for the captain Robbie Tinkler.

Tinkler, drove forward from the centre of the field, looked up and released a venomous strike that stung the fingertips of Ashmore and went out for yet another corner. 

However, just 14 minutes later the visitors nicked the opening goal. Moncur, the one who slotted in the first goal of the afternoon.

As a result of the visitors goal, the next 28 minutes of support showcased by home fans, was nothing short of tremendous. 

The 1st Cloud Arena, turned into a fortress, one which looked like it was an inevitability that the hosts would get the equaliser.

And deep into stoppage-time they did exactly that. 

An absolute frenzy was formed in the box, but amongst all the chaos, the Mariners confident centre-half positioned himself smartly and thundered the ball past Ashmore. 

Everyone in the 1st Cloud Arena stood still, as initially Ashmore looked like he had saved Mann’s effort however, seconds later the referee pointed to the centre circle, the goal the hosts most definitely deserved, was rewarded. 

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Bainbridge (Morse 83’), McGurk, Blackett, Jenkins, Mann, Finch, Wheeldon (Scott 59’), Alcock (Kelly 68’), Dodds, 

Bedford Town: Ashmore, Brown, Castiglione, Gallimore, Marsh, Jenkins, Doherty, Sandiford, Brown, Moncur, Nugent

Unused substitutes: Sykes, Robson, Watson, Carson

Goals: Moncur 62’ Mann 90’

Attendance: 2569