MATCH REPORT: SOUTH SHIELDS 2-2 AFC TELFORD

South Shields pick up point in clash with AFC Telford United 

The opening goal of Saturday’s clash didn’t come until the 44th minute, but what a crucial goal it was from the Mariners Sonny Finch. 

The second-half was action-packed with three goals coming in the final twenty-two minutes. 

AFC Telford's Remi Walker scored a 68th minute equaliser however this lit a fire in Watson’s team who went on to get what they’d hoped was the winning goal through substitute Paul Blackett in the 84th minute.

However three minutes later, the visitors once more, pulled one back, this time through Adan George making the game level.

It’s safe to say the Mariners came into Saturday's clash champing at the bit as the last time they graced their home turf was four weeks ago in a 1-0 win against Southport. 

Watson’s Mariners then were extremely eager to get their 12th home win in the league and another three points. 

South Shields’ latest signing Jack Roles would start the game up-top alongside the hosts top scorer Cedwyn Scott.

Right from the off, the Mariners attacking duo of Roles and Scott looked to be a danger. 

Roles whipped in a delicate ball into Scott who lept, up to reach it, however his stretching effort to head home was unable to work Joshua Gracey. 

Ten minutes later, the visitors crafted their own chance at goal, through Allen-Hadley, Hadley battled with Dillon Morse and managed to squeeze a shot off, however Tom Watson stood tall and made a big save.

And then right on the stroke of half-time the Mariners’ Finch made the difference with a crucial opener. 

A fantastic ball was played over the top by captain Will Jenkins and into Finch who received the ball and lashed it into the back of the net.

Six minutes had been played in the second-half before the hosts crafted a phenomenal attack on goal coming from a magical link up between Cain Sykes and Roles. 

Finch played the ball into Sykes path, who played a one-two into Roles, who flicked the ball on wonderfully for Sykes who lashed a left-footed effort toward Gracey's top left corner, however, Telford's keeper made a crucial save for the visitors. 

Shortly after, the home crowd thought they’d witnessed a wonder goal, as Roles - on his home debut, thundered a strike at goal that just crept over the bar. 

Then four minutes later, the visitors stabbed in the equaliser, Walker the one who got a flick-on which landed in the back of the Mariners net. 

As defiant teams do Shields responded quickly, the goal coming through substitute Blackett, however made by Finch. 

Finch burst down the right side and fired a ball into the back-post towards Blackett who’s sliding finish put the hosts back ahead. 

However a minute later the visitors nicked in yet another scrappy goal, the equaliser coming from substitute George merely a minute after Shields' goal. 

South Shields: Watson, Sykes (Bainbridge 51’), Morse, McGurk (Blackett 71’), Robson (Alcock 59’), Jenkins, Mann, Finch (Wheeldon 87’), Scott, Dodds, Roles (Ward 71’)

AFC Telford United: Gracey, Cranston, Piggott, Fletcher, Williams, Meddows, Allen-Hadley, Cawthorne, Armson, Solademi, Walker

South Shields Unused Substitutes: Smith

Goals: Finch 44’ Walker 68’ Blackett 84’ George 87’

Attendance: 1992