MATCH REPORT: SOUTH SHIELDS FC 4-0 CHESTER FC

Paul Blackett brace stamps South Shields as league leaders in statement 4-0 win against Chester 

The Mariners were one up inside 34 minutes as Daniel Dodds deflected strike flew past Andrew Wogan. 

Shields’ early into the second-half were awarded a penalty, which undoubtedly was dispatched by Blackett the striker then two minutes later bagged his brace — rifling another one into the net. 

The fourth goal that for sure put the game to bed, was crashed in by Cain Sykes in the 78th minute.

South Shields came into Saturday’s game oozing with confidence following Tuesday night's snatch-and-grab 2-0 win against Alfreton Town. 

Saturday's tie saw the Mariners start off tremendously quick, with Ian Watson's side on the offence immediately. 

Only two minutes had passed before Caden Kelly drove towards the byline and fizzed a ball across the box that unfortunately came to nothing. 

Another chance came Shields' way in the 18th minute where Blackett took the ball on the half-turn before playing in Dan Ward whose strike just raised over the bar. 

In the 32nd minute of the game it was that classic Ward and Blackett combination that looked like it gave us the opener.

Ward whipped in a cross from the right hand side into Blackett, who met the ball but the header was thumped clear. 

Two minutes later the Mariners got the opener that was undoubtedly deserved. 

Dodds drove with the ball, found space on the edge of the box and curled a shot toward goal, before a huge deflection saw it fly past Wogan. 

The second-half started off similarly to the first, with Watson's side immediately on the front foot.

This instant attacking threat worked wonderfully, as Kelly won the Mariners a penalty three minutes into the second half. 

Up stepped Blackett, and of course the ball was smashed into the back of the net, doubling Shields lead. 

Just two minutes later, Blackett was back at it again. 

Dan Ward received the ball with a fantastic touch and then spun his man before playing in Blackett who tucked the ball home for his second and Shields third. 

South Shields then created another opportunity in the 78th minute, of course Blackett was involved yet again. 

The striker dropped into midfield and played a wonderful ball into Sykes who latched on and drove at goal before unleashing a venomous shot that flew past Wogan. 

South Shields: Sheik, Dodds, Tinkler Morse Sykes Carson (Smith 72’), Jenkins (Walsh 81’), Kelly Ward (Briggs 81’), Blackett (McGowan 88’), Scott (Alcock 72’) 

Chester: Wogan, Woodthorpe, Weeks, Leak, Jones (Mottley-Henry 65’), Shrimpton, Woods, Jones (Burgess 65’), Roberts Rawlinson Roberts (Rosenblatt 65’) 

Unused substitutes: Mann, Savage

Goals: Dodds 34’ Blackett 48’ 50’ Sykes 78’ 

Attendance: 2146