MATCH REPORT: SOUTHPORT 0-0 SOUTH SHIELDS

South Shields extended their unbeaten start to the National League North season with a goalless draw at Southport on Saturday, 6th September.

The Mariners created the best chances of the afternoon and had a first-half penalty saved, but a strong display from goalkeeper Chris Renshaw ensured the points were shared at Haig Avenue.

Shields began brightly, with Paul Blackett and Cedwyn Scott combining well in the early stages. Caden Kelly drove forward on four minutes and fired narrowly wide from 20 yards in the first attempt of note, forcing Renshaw to parry it for a corner.

Southport threatened in response and came close twice midway through the half through Jordan Slew, who cut in from both wings but could only flash his efforts wide.

The key moment of the first half came on 37 minutes when Shields were awarded a penalty after Blackett was brought down in the area. The striker stepped up to take it himself, but Renshaw dived low to his left to parry the spot-kick and keep the scoreline level.

The Mariners were frustrated further before the break as bookings for Will Jenkins, Dan Savage and Daniel Dodds disrupted their rhythm.

Southport almost made them pay on the stroke of half-time when Arthur Gnahoua broke through, only for Jasper Sheik to block smartly at his near post.

It remained 0-0 at the interval.

Shields came out with real intent after the restart and Blackett forced Renshaw into another outstanding save within two minutes, his effort being tipped over the bar.

Scott then went close when he was slipped in behind on 65 minutes, only to be denied by a last-ditch challenge as he shaped to shoot.

Substitutes Todd Alcock and Rhys Walsh brought energy to midfield, with Walsh stinging the palms of Renshaw from 20 yards.

Sean McGurk was introduced late on and almost made the decisive impact, cutting inside from the left and bending a shot narrowly wide with seven minutes remaining.

The Mariners pressed hard in the closing stages, winning a series of corners, but the Southport defence – and in particular Renshaw – stood firm to ensure the match ended goalless.

It was a match Shields will feel they could have won, but the point extends their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

Southport claimed their first clean sheet of the season, with Renshaw the standout performer.

Southport: Renshaw, Minihan, Moore (c), Arthur, Collins; Keane (Tabone 90), Lavelle; Slew (Burgess 60), Touray (Hilton 65), Lloyd (Simms 78); Gnahoua.

Unused subs: McKenzie, Sandison, Murphy-Worrell.

South Shields: Sheik; Sykes (Bainbridge 47), Morse, Blackett, Jenkins (c) (McGurk 82), Mann, Scott, Kelly, Savage (Walsh 71), Dodds, Carson (Alcock 71).

Unused subs: Tinkler, Smith, Briggs.

Attendance: 1,417 (119 Away)

Referee: Scott Henry