South Shields International Academy moved up to third after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town FC U23s at the 1st Cloud Arena in the National Football Youth League.
Despite a turbulent start to the match, right wing-back Jaiden Odle broke the deadlock for the young Mariners, by carrying the ball down the right-hand side of the pitch before slotting it into the back of the net from a rebound.
Timothy Barney unleashed a thunderous strike from the centre of the box, sending the ball soaring into the top left corner of Mansfield's goal with precision and power.
Adam Shaw made three changes to the Shields team which started in the 3-0 win over I2I International Reds on Thursday, with David Mighten, Isrrael Morales and Barney brought into the starting line-up.
The Stags began the game controlling possession. Mansfield came close from a free kick at the edge of the box, deflected just wide by the wall.
In the 19th minute, Cai Pritchard's shot was blocked, and the rebound fell to Joseph Abrahart, who fired the ball over the bar.
Odle drove with the ball at speed down the right-hand side, cut in, and found Daniel Rovira, whose shot was blocked.
The rebound landed to Odle, who made no mistake and opened the scoring.
In the closing moments of the first half, centre-back Morales narrowly missed with a headed effort from Rovira's corner, as it just brushed past the post.
The young Mariners started the second half full of confidence, a low cross from Brandon Jardine was met by Rovira who hit the post from inside the box in the 51st minute.
Two minutes later Rovira hits the same post again this time from 25 yards out.
Mansfield's goalkeeper jokingly remarks: “The goal is here” pointing at the top left corner of his net.
In the 66th minute, responding to the remark, Barney received a rebounded ball from Rovira's cross and smashed it into the top left corner, making it two for Shields after a great team buildup.
Pritchard had the opportunity to increase his league goal tally to seventeen as he went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his effort was fired wide.
Shields cruised through the remaining minutes, confidently securing their win without any trouble.
The young Mariners return to action on Friday against Tadcaster Albion U23 ISA United at Leeds Beckett University's Carnegie Sports Centre.
South Shields IA XI: Mighten, Odle, Morales, Dixon, Jardine (Dougherty 58’), Barney, Baptista, Rhodes (Martin 71’), Rovira (Padilla 71’), Abrahart (O’Donnell 86’), Pritchard.
Goals: Odle (36), Barney (67)