Match Report: Spennymoor Town 1-1 South Shields

South Shields gained a point on the road in a 1-1 draw against Spennymoor Town on Boxing Day. 

Tom Allan’s 36th minute finish cancelled out Isaac Fletcher’s opener to settle a hard-fought game.

David Carson made his long-awaited second debut for Shields when he came off the bench in the 14th minute to replace the injured Will Jenkins.

Needless to say it was an upbeat occasion and Elliott Dickman’s side played it about, as fans have become used to in recent times, well. 

Despite the positive start, it would be the hosts who would take the lead through Fletcher, from the edge of the box in the 29th minute. 

It wouldn't take too long for Shields to equalise when Allan, formerly of Spennymoor and who scored against Shields in the FA Trophy this season, charged through on goal just seven minutes later.

Credit must be handed to skipper Robert Briggs for his involvement in the build-up for navigating that ball through to the forward. 

A surging counter-attack a moment later instigated by Corey McKeown almost cost the Mariners what was a well-deserved leveller but Fletcher’s effort went narrowly wide.

Things turned physical after the break, with the first real opportunity presenting itself in the form of a waved away penalty appeal for Spennymoor.

Paul Blackett almost captured his 15th goal of the season around the hour mark but his attempt on goal was turned over by Spennymoor ‘keeper, Brad James. 

The game quietened down as time went on but things were reinvigorated with minutes to spare as both teams pushed for a late winner.

Myles Boney got down to prevent Matty Dolan from winning it for the hosts, while Lucas De Bolle was credited for handing the Mariners a last-gasp attempt.

The result leaves Shields sitting in 12th place in the Vanarama National League North table, but just one point outside the play-off spots as things stand.

Shields host Darlington at 1st Cloud Arena on New Year's Day as they continue to look upwards in the second-half of the season.

Spennymoor Town: James, Staunton, Beals, Fletcher, Taylor (Rutledge 82'), Ramshaw, Dyson, Ledger, Shrimpton, McKeown (Mondal 77'), Dolan.

Unused substitutes: Johnson, McGinley.

Goals: Fletcher (29’).

South Shields: Boney, Hughes, Briggs, Morse, Shepherd, Jenkins (Carson 14’), Smith (Crossley 76'), Mee, De Bolle, Allan, Blackett.

Unused substitutes: Seymour, Bramwell, Taylor.

Goals: Allan (36’).

Attendance: 1,624 (280 away supporters).

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19)