Match Report: South Shields 1-2 Carlisle United

South Shields were narrowly defeated by National League side Carlisle United on Tuesday night.

North East local Cedwyn Scott got the Cumbrians off to the perfect start in the 12th minute, before a hectic few minutes saw second-half substitute Regan Linney net in the 61st minute and Dan Savage in the 63rd minute for Shields.

The visitors dominated early on with notable chances falling to Georgie Kelly and Freddie O'Donoghue.

Forward Junior Luamba was next to try his luck in the 10th minute after he cut inside and shot into the bottom right corner, though his effort went wide.

Scott provided Carlisle with their first goal of the evening - Archie Davies floated a cross into the box, which evaded the Shields backline, but the forward was on hand at the back post to send Jasper Sheik the wrong way.

Kyle Crossley was later taken off through injury in the 37th minute and he was replaced by Evan Blaney.

Scott came close to doubling the visitors’ advantage shortly before half-time but his effort skied over the crossbar.

Linney netted just one minute after being brought on - in the 61st minute - when he carried himself through on goal.

Savage did outstandingly in the minutes to come, netting one and almost bagging another, if not for the offside flag.

A rejuvenated Shields team saw out the game and they did well in their pursuit for a second goal.

Dan Ward rounded Carlisle ‘keeper, Harry Lewis, but the angle was just too tight for him to capitalise on the chance - credit must go to Louis Burns for his role in the build-up.

James Sloan offered Shields their final significant chance of the evening when he played a ball over to Ward, who squared it just too soon for Savage to strike on target.

Needless to say, there are plenty of positive signs for Ian Watson, as the Mariners look towards the remainder of pre-season ahead of another competitive Enterprise National League North campaign.

South Shields (starting XI): Sheik, Sykes (Sloan 62'), Morse (McGowan 62'), Tinkler (Ward 62'), Dodds (Mann 62'), Carson (Smith 62'), Jenkins (Briggs 62'), Kelly (Burns 46'), Crossley (Blaney 37'), Blackett (Savage 62'), McGurk.

Unused substitutes: Miller.

Goals: Savage (63’).

Carlisle United (starting XI): Lewis, Davies (Williams 60'), Murray (Hodgson 60'), Hayden (Thomas 60'), Ellis (Atkinson 60'), Grant (Robson 60'), Lowes (Whelan 60'), Scott (Embleton 60'), Luamba (Linney 60'), O’Donoghue (Ajiboye 60'), Kelly (Armstrong 60'). 

Unused substitutes: Breeze, Porter.

Goals: Scott (12’), Linney (61’).

Attendance: 1,267.

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19).