MATCH REPORT: SUNDERLAND (H)

The first half began with a strong effort from Shields to retain possession and push the ball upfield. However, in the 1st minute, Sunderland gained control and launched a swift attack.

The ball was played forward to Sunderland’s No. 18, who broke past the defence with a precise through ball before sliding a low-driven shot into the bottom right-hand corner, which put the Black Cats into a 1-0 lead.

Despite trailing early on, the Mariners responded with determination and attacking intent. In the 5th minute, a promising move saw a clever pass find South Shields’ Caden Kelly, who took a shot that narrowly missed the target, flying just wide of the goal.

In the 9th minute, South Shields were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area after Caden Kelly was fouled.

The ball eventually fell to Ewan McGowan, who struck it cleanly but sent the effort over the crossbar.

A minute later, Sunderland formed a threatening counter attack after regaining possession. A sharp through ball found their No. 28, who forced an excellent save from Shields keeper Jasper Sheik ; who quickly reacted to deny a second rebound attempt, making an incredible double save to keep the score at 1-0.

South Shields maintained the pressure, and in the 19th minute they came close again. A well-timed through ball was picked up by Caden Kelly, who drove forward at pace and delivered a cross just outside the box. It found a striker, but led to the shot going just inches over the bar.

Sunderland began to reassert themselves in the 29th minute. A low-driven cross met their No. 7, who attempted a header but sent the ball just wide of the right post, narrowly missing the chance to double the lead.

In the 43rd minute, Sunderland did make it 2-0. A long pass from midfield found No. 14, who took it in stride and fired another low shot into the bottom right corner, his second finish of the day in that area.

Just before half-time, in the 45+2 minute, South Shields nearly pulled one back. Caden Kelly stepped up to take a free kick, striking the ball beautifully, only to see it cannon off the crossbar sending the ball rebounded back into play.

The second half showed an ultra determined Mariners squad. However, on the 54th minute, Sunderland’s Milan Aleksic receives the ball from the halfway line, and carries it upfield, who then makes a run on goal, striking the back of the net, increasing Sunderland’s lead to 3-0.

Shields had another chance on the 78th minute, when a free kick was awarded to the Mariners. Robert Briggs took the free kick, but witnessed as the ball narrowly missed the crossbar.

Shields kept applying pressure, and were presented with another promising chance on goal on the 79th minute, as a long ball was played through to Dan Savage, who was presented with a brilliant chance on goal but narrowly missed a the needed touch on the ball, giving Sunderland a goal kick.

Just a few minutes later, the Mariners regained possession in a threatening position, which saw the ball land at the feet of the South Shields Trialist, who had a strike on goal, but was saved by the Sunderland goalkeeper.

Sunderland however, on a rapid counter attack in the 90th minute of the game, saw a shrewd pass to Abdullahi, who quickly wrapped around the goalkeeper and scored, cementing Sunderland’s 4-0 lead.

Despite a brilliant performance by the mariners, and a lively style of play under new manager Ian Watson, the game ended with a 4-0 defeat.