Under-18s progress to FA Youth Cup first round

South Shields qualified for the first round of the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time in six years with a convincing 3-0 win over York City at 1st Cloud Arena.

The young Mariners sealed their passage into the competition proper with goals from Dan Savage, Matty Telfer and James Davison in front of a crowd of 248.

Olly Walker also made a terrific penalty save on the stroke of half-time to cap a superb night for Shields.

There were opportunities at both ends in the early stages as the two teams battled for supremacy,

Shields began to take control midway through the first half, with Sam Watts and Savage both going close to making the breakthrough.

It arrived on 32 minutes thanks to a tremendous piece of play by Savage, who took a touch and rifled home on the volley.

Walker made a superb save to deny York an immediate leveller, and the Mariners took full advantage of that by doubling their advantage.

Savage was a key creator this time, feeding the ball out wide before it was squared for Telfer, who dispatched it into the bottom corner.

York were awarded a penalty in the final minute of the half, but Walker refused to be beaten, diving low to his left to preserve his clean sheet.

The second half started slowly in terms of opportunities but Shields continued to have most of the openings.

Telfer was denied a second by goalkeeper Harry Carr, who also pulled off superb stops to prevent Savage scoring a brace.

York pushed for a route back into the tie to no avail, with the Mariners sealing their progression with five minutes remaining when Davison capitalised on a loose ball to finish from close range.

Shields now await the draw for the first round.

South Shields: Walker, Bengochea, Stores, Taylor, Maher, Davison, Watts, Henry, Telfer, McGowan, Savage (c). Subs: Dobbs, Lamb, Leonard, Dlamini, Waller, Telford, Barker.

Goals: Savage (32), Telfer (35), Davison (85).

Attendance: 248.

Image: Kev Wilson.