MATCH REPORT: SOUTH SHIELDS 3-0 ALFRETON TOWN

South Shields cruise to emphatic 3-0 victory as superstar Paul Blackett nets 25th of the season

The Mariners opener came late in the first-half however, it came thanks to Lennon Wheeldon’s explosive finish just five minutes before half-time. 

Then just 14 minutes into the second-half and the Mariners had doubled their lead thanks to their talisman Paul Blackett who’d netted his 25th goal in the league this season.

And with 18 minutes left in the tie, Dan Dodds got himself on the scoresheet, sliding the ball beyond Charlie Casper.

The hosts came into the game confident having won their most recent outing in emphatic nature against Merthyr Town. 

So too, the hosts made two huge signings earlier in the week, with Sonny Finch being made a permanent transfer with the Mariners as well as Shields’ acquiring the signature of Niall McAndrew from Derby County. 

The game began brightly for the Mariners with Blackett getting an early chance after a ball over the top from Will Jenkins however Casper made a vital save for the visitors. 

The Mariners then continued to have threatening chances with Blackett coming close again 17 minutes later, however it was Wheeldon who netted home the hosts opening goal. 

Wheeldon received the ball inside the box and drilled an effort past Casper into the bottom left corner, lighting up non-league day for the home fans. 

The second 45 minutes for the hosts was rather composed, one which they controlled with possession however still having that attacking prowess up-top - which came into fruition thanks to Blackett - a minute before the hour mark. 

Dodds strided forward with the ball before finding Blackett who kept his composure and slotted underneath the legs of Casper to double the Mariners lead. 

And then with just 18 minutes left to play Dodds - who made the second goal of the afternoon, tucked away the third. 

Jenkins played an exquisite ball into Dodds which wasn’t dealt with by Scott allowing Dodds to get onto the ball and curl home Shields’ third of the afternoon, wrapping the game up in style. 

South Shields: Watson, Tinkler, Bainbridge, Sykes, Blackett (Carson 66’), Jenkins (Roles 77’), Mann, Finch (McAndrew 77’), Wheeldon, Alcock (Savage 90’), Dodds

Alfreton Town: Cogman, Ryan-Phillips, Garrick, Twamley, Spiers, Evans, Maddox, Cox, Williams, Thomas, Lucas

Unused substitutes: Sheik, Morse, Smith, 

Goals: Wheeldon 40’ Blackett 59’ Dodds 72’

Attendance: 2185