Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
South Shields v Dunston UTS - 24th October 2009
The legendary "Cat" poses with the South Shields ball boys who do a great job in return for chips at half-time!
- N Lawson
- J Oates
- M Rodenby
- R Paxton
- C Armstrong
- C Ellison
- T Coe
- J Wightman (Capt.)
- T Stephenson
- S Ramsey
- C Feasey
- A Clark
- A Robson
- H Graham
- D O'Brien
- B Riding
Firstly I would like to apologise that I cannot bring you the usual match report. This is for a few reasons, one of which was being unable to keep my notepad dry! Photos were a struggle in the first half due to driving rain. Still, here is what I could cobble together...

The first half was a difficult affair for both teams. With the weather being more suited to Ark sailing, both sides struggled at times with a very slippery surface. I don't think they make studs long enough for what was needed yesterday! Shields started brightly and Chris Feasey tried to cause as much trouble as he could down the left flank. With Scroggins off getting married (has he never heard of close season? hehe) Jonny Wightman found himself in a more central midfield position. With Davy Graham also away at Scroggs matrimonial shenanigans, Shields played more of a 3-5-2 style formation.

Shields had the better of the early exchanges but Dunston became more prolific as the half progressed. Niki Lawson, making his debut after signing from Spennymoor Town, looked a little nervous perhaps in the first half, but grew in stature as the game progressed. It is never going to be easy to play in the first XI when yo haven't even trained with your team mates, nerermind play with them.
Dunston had a goal chalked late in the first half. It seemed uncertain why their effort was disallowed though pushing was a possible reason. It may have been a harsh decision but there have been a few of those gone against Shields this season. What goes around, comes around.
Wightman plays a lovely ball in behind the Dunston defence
After the half-time sychronised swimming in the centre circle, something bizarre happened. The sun came out and the skies were blue again. Suddenly it was sunbathing weather after the monsoon in the first half. You have to love the North-East weather!
Tony Coe takes a clattering
The second half became a bit niggly at times. On a few occasions the Shields lads were clattered with clumsy challenges. It even triggered a round of "handbags at ten paces" at one point. Shields finally broke the deadlock after some more fantastic work by Chris Feasey. He weaved his way in to the area and fired a ball across the face of the six yard area. Dunston's Lee Bell instinctively went to clear the ball but instead sent the ball past his 'keeper and in to the net. His shin seemed to be the culprit. What a great shin!
At that point it was probably a fair scoreline. However, Dunston then applied a prolonged period of pressure. It was a case of all hands on deck for the Mariners and they all responded brilliantly. Every one of the Shields players dug deep and got stuck in. Niki Lawson made a couple of great saves to keep the score 1-0. Although there is no way to be certain after only one game, it does look as if he is going to be a useful acquisition. There is some serious competition for the number 1 jersey.
Shields soaked up the pressure and broke on the counter-attack on a number of occasions. A few decent moves were created but Liam Connell in the visitors goal didn't have to make too many saves.
The game petered out over the last 10 minutes with both sides cancelling each other out. Thankfully there were no red cards to spoil the day and Shields went off at full-time with three more points in their pockets.
Ellison puts everything in to this strike
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight just how far South Shields have progressed this season compared to 2008/09. At present South Shields are only nine points short of last seasons tally of 37 points. There are still 25 games remaining this season. Last season saw only nine victories, this was equalled yesterday. Last season saw only four victories away from home. This season the lads have notched up five victories already. They still have to play eight games against the current bottom five teams. You would hope that there will be a good number of points collected from those matches.
Ramsey gives Dunston a chance by playing with one leg tied behind his back
So you see, it is a great time for us Mariners supporters. With our continued support it can get even better. The club are still looking to strengthen the squad and the Supporters Association are always looking at ways to spread the word. More people through the gate means more funds. More funds means more improvements on the pitch. This means more people through the gate. So spread the word and let us get Filtrona rocking!! Up the Mariners!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Penrith v South Shields - Saturday 17th October 2009

- A Clark
- J Oates
- D Graham
- R Paxton
- C Ellison
- J Wightman
- T Coe
- LP Scroggins (Capt)
- T Stephenson
- S Ramsey
- C Feasey
- B Riding
- H Graham
- A Robson
- C Anderson
- S Parkin
The new and shiny setting of Frenchfield Park saw The Mariners take on Penrith AFC. The hosts new home was impressive and the travelling supporters were made to feel very welcome. The sun was shining and conditions were pretty much perfect. A close battle was expected. Shields were hoping to prove they were better than the last three of results depicted. Penrith were hoping to show that their only home defeat a few days earlier was nothing more than a blip.

Five minutes later Shields were put under pressure. Penrith had managed to get the ball in to the box where it was pinged back and forth. Eventually Penrith managed to poke a shot towards the goal but Tony Coe was on hand to stab it clear. Penrith pumped the ball back in to the area but it rolled harmlessly wide of the post.

Four minutes later Coe was up the other end of the pitch and providing a decent cross in to the area. Jonny Wightman managed to connect but his effort went wide.
Coe in control
There was a lot of determined tackles coming from The Mariners
Scroggins shows his composure on the ball
Feasey runs at the defence with the ball stuck to his head Five minutes later Chris Feasey played the ball in to the area but Penrith managed to react first and half-cleared the danger. Shields got the ball back on to the edge of the penalty area and Ramsey let rip but the shot went straight down Wills’ throat in the home side’s goal. If it had only been a few feet either side it would have certainly beat the keeper. The ball was cleared but was immediately returned in to the Penrith box where Wightman had a crack from 15 yards out. Unfortunately he didn’t catch the ball sweetly and the shot flew wide of the post.
In the 38th minute Feasey provided another testing cross in to the area. Scroggins tried to connect with an overhead kick but it didn’t trouble Wills in the Penrith goal.
Stephenson fighting hard in a battle of strength to win the ball The referee blew the half time whistle and both teams headed back to the changing rooms for a pep talk. I decided it was a good time to carry out my civic duty and head towards the refreshment stand. Several of the South Shields FC Pie Fanciers Club were unable to attend this fixture so I felt it was my job, even duty, to report back on the standard of the pies at Frenchfield Park.
I ate all the pies!! The start of the second half was a close affair with both sides keeping things tight. It was the 52nd minute before either side had a chance on goal. Tony Coe played the ball in to the box and in the following scramble Stephen Ramsey got his foot to the ball but his effort was deflected and went out for a corner.
Scroggins couldn't get the header on target
A minute later Penrith’s Will Paul broke in to the Shields penalty area. From 12 yards out he thumped his effort towards goal but he steered it wide of the left hand post. This was a little reminder to the Shields defence to keep switched on as Penrith still believed they could break the deadlock.
Wightman keeps the pressure on
Soon after the home side’s effort, Davy Graham decided to have a go from long range. He has hit a couple of cracking goals this season from distance and tried his luck from 30 yards. His attempt was well struck and on target. Wills threw himself to his left and made the save.

Stephenson wins Shields a free-kick
The next couple of minutes saw some odd things happening. After a bit of handbags between a couple of players from both sides, the referee decided to brandish the yellow card to a couple of players; one for each side. This saw the Penrith boss get a bit upset. After being told to be quiet and sit down he took his anger out on the dugout. The referee, Mr Kettlewell, returned to the touchline to send the boss to the stands.
Ellison takes one for the team
Two minutes later and Shields were under pressure again. Will Paul struck a decent shot which was blocked and after a bit of frantic defending the visitors finally cleared their lines and relieved the pressure. Penrith were starting to take the upper hand. For ten minutes the hosts put Shields well and truly under the cosh.
Feed the Ram...

Shields responded to this and started to make life difficult for Penrith again.
In the 74th minute the breakthrough came. Stephen Ramsey, who was industrious all game, bagged himself a well deserved goal. The ball had been played back to Wills in the Penrith goal. He was on the edge of the area when Ramsey bore down on him. The pressure certainly worked as the keeper suddenly became caught in two minds as to what to do next. Ramsey stole the ball from him and took it around him. This was still a long way from being a goal. Keeping calm as the keeper threw himself at the ball, Ramsey stroked the ball towards goal, managing to keep it far enough from the sprawling Wills’ outstretched hands. As the ball rolled towards the empty net the Shields fans behind the goal were jubilant and Ramsey wheeled away in delight. Penrith 0 South Shields 1.
Over the next ten minutes the game became a battle with neither side getting much time on the ball. Chris Feasey and Tony Coe made way for Anth Robson and Hal Graham respectively.

Ramsey put in a strong performance for Shields
Ten minutes from time Andy Clark pulled off a save that Bruce Grobbelaar would have been proud of. Craig Wilson cut in from the right and as he reached the edge of the area let rip. Clark pulled off a fantastic save to deny Wilson and keep the score 1-0.
With six minutes remaining Craig Ellison struck a good effort which narrowly cleared the top right hand corner of the Penrith goal.
Thisis the exact incident that earned Stephenson a straight red
Two minutes from time Tony Stephenson receiving his marching orders from Mr Kettlewell. A clumsy challenge was made by Grant Davidson which saw him falling on top of the South Shields number 9. As Davidson slowly got to his feet Stephenson pushed at him; partly in distress as his shoulder had took a jarring and partly in retaliation. The referee swiftly produced a straight red card for what was deemed to be violent behaviour it would seem. It cannot be denied that Stephenson retaliated, albeit in a fairly innocuous fashion. You could argue that a yellow may have been deserved. A three match ban now awaits him.
Ramsey throws himself in to the challenge
In the first minute of injury time Penrith had one last throw of the dice. Will Paul, arguably their most dangerous player, thumped the ball towards the Shields goal. Clark was on his mettle and pulled out another great save. He got his fist to the ball and punched it just wide of the left hand upright. This lad had most definitely had three Shredded Wheat! This proved to be the last chance of the game.
As both sides left the pitch an appreciate crowd of 144 gave them a warm round of applause. The following Shields supporters cheered off their lads knowing they gave a great performance and were taking three points back over to South Tyneside. In a game between two fairly balanced sides it was South Shields who worked that bit harder, fought harder and possibly believed in themselves a little more. The net result was a win and a happy trip back over the Pennines. Happy days!
The Boss returns the applause
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Bridlington...... just a thought.
I left Bridlington on Saturday feeling really disappointed. I don't mind losing to a better team. I don't expect us to win every game. I don't expect flawless performance. All I ever ask is that a man gives his very best. No man can perform better than his ability level dictates, so give us your best effort, and we will appreciate and respect it. We lost at Bedlington and I (and I believe most fans) came away disappointed to lose, but proud of the performance. When we lost at Bridlington My overall feeling was frustration and disappointment.
I don't want to be too hard on the lads. I thought each and every one of them worked as hard as they could. In difficult conditions they ran and sweated for the cause, and were beaten by a team who looked no better than them, no better that Norton. The difference seemed pyschological to me. They looked like they believed in themselves and trusted in their own belief, and I'm not sure we did.
Too often we just don't perform to our best in these big games and I was beginning to wonder if we are beaten mentally before we even show up. Shields players have showed grit and determination, character and ability all season, and on Saturday it went for a walk. The effort and work ethic was all we kept hold of.
We need to address this. Tactics and techniques can be coached into players and teams. Attitudes also need to be improved. We need to work on these young lads, and they are a relatively young team. Work on them to be able to believe in themselves, to trust in themselves and their team mates. Trust in their own ability, so in the big games they use that ability, rather than panic and resort to long ball football and hope things drop right.
I think we have in this group of players the nucleus of a very good team. Tweaking is all that is needed as long as the attitude, the belief, the confidence grows with the experience.
I'm disappointed, with the performance. I'm disappointed for them, but I'm in no means disappointed by them.
We move on now, together. And together we'll move on, and together we'll succeed
......................................AS LONG AS WE BELIEVE WE CAN

































