South Shields v Bishop Auckland - 14 November 09

Scroggs getting stuck in as always

South Shields Team Line-up

1. N Lawson
2. J Oates
3. D Graham
4. R Paxton
5. S Fitzpatrick
6. C Ellison
7. T Coe
8. LP Scroggins (Capt)
9. S Ramsey
10. J Wightman
11. C Armstrong
12. S Parkin
13. M Rodenby
14. D Meechan
15. C Feasey
16. D O'Brien

As per usual the rain started falling at Filtrona park five minutes before kick-off. Bishop Auckland were the visitors to a damp South Shields. The Mariners confidence should be sky high after five straight wins and a victory of Whitley Bay. The supporters believed that the three points would belong to Shields. were they right?

Shields started like a team on a mission. In the second minute Wightman produced a good cross for Fitzpatrick. Fitz couldn't quite steer his effort on target and it went just wide.

Graham gets his head to the ball...

Seconds later and Shields were at it again. Another great cross from the right saw Ramsey, Graham and Fitzpatrick all trying to get their heads on it. Graham connected and sent his effort towards the goal. The Bishop keeper managed to block the effort. Both Graham and Fitzpatrick went scrambling after the rebound. It was Davy Graham who reacted quickest and stuck his leg out and poked the ball past the keeper at the right hand post. Two minutes played and Shields were 1-0 up.

... And seconds later gets his foot to it to make it 1-0!

Two minutes later and Shields were attacking again. With the ball at his feet Ramsey decided to have a go from 25 yards, especially as the keeper had advanced from his goal line. His powerful shot took a very slight deflection but it wasn't enough to stop it rattling the back of the net. 2-0.

Wightman cruises with the ball

Three minutes later and Shields were once again applying the pressure. Jonny Wightman played a great ball in to a dangerous area in the box. Bishop's number 4 tried to put the ball behind for a corner. Unfortunately for him he struck the clearance straight past his keeper and in to to the top left hand corner of the net. Great finish! 3-0.

After thirteen minutes Armstrong thought he would try and replicate the earlier Ramma goal. However his 25 yard effort went just over the bar. Shields were giving the visitors a lesson in football.

Jonny caused havoc in the early exchanges

A minute later and Bishop Auckland had their first effort on goal. Lawson had to come charging off his line to close down the advancing number 9. He managed to get his shot over Niki but thankfully it also went over the bar. This was a good warning against complacency.

Sid sarnie anyone??

Then on 22 minutes Shields were dealt a blow. Paxton received a straight red card. To be fair he was all over the Bishop player and brought him down on the edge of the area. As he was the last man the referee felt he had no choice but to send him off. It was a shame but ultimately the right decision according to the rules. Shields would now have to dig deep as playing for 68 minutes on a slippy and muddy surface with only ten men was always going to be a tough task.

Three minutes later and the Mariners were attacking again. Wightman set up another good cross from the left. Ellison came steaming in but couldn't keep his effort down and the ball cleared the crossbar.

Fitzpatrick wins the race

A tactical substitution was made by Studds as Wightman came off to allow Duncan O'Brien on to the pitch to shore up the defence. It was unfortunate for Jonny as he had been a nuisance in the Bishop back four. Still, sometimes you just have to take one for the team.

Wightman takes on three

Ten minutes from half-time and Shields were still at it. After some great work by Ramsey on the left he played a lovely ball in to the box for Tony Coe. He made no mistake and slotted the ball home with his left peg to make it South Shields 4 Bishop Auckland 0.

Bishop almost grab a goal before half-time

Just before the whistle blew Bishop had a good chance. Their number 11 was through with only Lawson to beat but steered his shot wide of the left hand upright.

I am sorry that I can't put names to numbers for Bishop Auckland. The team hadn't been written up before kick-off. It was eventually chalked up during the first half but with all the rain I couldn't make head nor tail of it when I looked at half-time!

The second half began as the first half had with Shields in the ascendancy. Three minutes after the restart Coe had produced a lovely cross with Ramsey running in to the box. Ramma connected well but aimed it a little to high and it just cleared the crossbar.

Oates has his eyes on the ball

A minute later the crown thought it was 5-0 as Ramsey stuck the ball past the Bishop keeper but it was ruled offside.

However, a minute later it was 5-0. Another great piece of work from Coe saw a tasty cross played across the Bishop penalty area. Ramsey tried to get on the end of it but couldn't quite reach it. Armstrong had taken up a clever position at the back of the box. As the ball came past Ramsey it landed right in front him at the back stick and he slotted the ball in to the net. This was becoming surreal!

Scroggins does a bit of tidying up at the back

In the 52nd minute the visitors came close to grabbing a goal back. The Bishop number 7 was beautifully played in and he bore down on goal. A mixture of close marking by Armstrong and good positional sense from Lawson squeezed him so much that he could only put his effort high and wide of the Shields goal.

After 54 minutes Shields were awarded a penalty, much to the disgust of the Bishop keeper. He wasn't impressed. As he argued the toss Scroggins just waited patiently by the penalty spot. When all the furore had died down, Scroggs stepped up and placed the ball in to the left hand side of the goal to make it South Shields 6 Bishop Auckland 0.

Niki Lawson gets his long arm highest to punch the ball away from a corner

Soon after the sixth goal Niki Lawson was in the wars. He received quite a whack whilst trying to grab the ball. The blow was enough to knock him out cold. After several minutes he eventually made it to his feet, albeit a bit gingerly. He said he felt fine to carry on but obviously his well-being is paramount and was quickly replaced by Simon "The Cat" Parkin.

Armstrong plays an unusual back heel whilst on the ground

In the 64th minute the Mariners made it seven. After some lovely play from Coe on the right he cut inside and headed for goal. The Bishop Auckland keeper came out to close the angle but Coe hit his shot back across the advancing keeper and in to the bottom left hand corner of the net. Coe was a handful all afternoon with his pace and guile.

Barely a minute later and Bishop finally found the net... well the oppositions net! Their number nine got himself on the end of a telling cross and thumped it past Cat in the Shields goal. Cat got a hand to it but the power saw it nestle in to the back of the net. 7-1.

After 71 minutes the visitors tried again to reduce the deficit. Their number ten got his head to a ball lobbed in to the area and headed the ball back along the face of the goal. Nobody was there to follow up and the ball went harmlessly wide of the post.

Despite the best efforts to grab him, Armstrong battles on

Shields went up the other end and applied more pressure to the Bishop Auckland goal. Several good crosses were played in to the box in quick succession but the efforts at goal kept being blocked by some last ditch defending. The move finally broke down when Graham put his boot through the ball, only to see it go wide of the post.

In the 77th minute the away side had another pop at goal. They had won a free-kick about 25 yards from the Shields goal. The free-kick was a decent one and found their number 8 in the box. He connected with a sweetly struck header but Cat was equal to it and got down quickly to make a fine save.

New Olympic discipline... the 110m Davy Graham Hurdles

With two minutes of normal time remaining the visitors had their last effort on goal. A free-kick was well struck from 20 yards out and Cat got down quickly to parry it away. A scramble ensued but the Shields defence cleared the danger. The ball was eventually played up to Ramsey. He went on a brilliant solo run, turning the Bishop defence one way then the other. Just when you thought he was going to play it across the box he let rip a beautiful curling shot which flew across the keeper and in to the back of the net. It was an excellent finish and had to be inch perfect to get past the keeper but stay on the correct side of the left hand post. It was no more than Ramma deserved after yet another great display for the team.

Ramsey proving he's not frightened to get stuck in

As the game moved in to stoppage time, of which there was about four minutes, Ramsey found himself in space again. The ball had been played in to him and as he broke in to the area he twisted and turned to make a shooting angle for himself. He got himself in to the position he wanted and looked certain to score. However he got under the shot and put it over the bar.

The final few minutes rolled by and the referee signalled the end of the game. South Shields had dominated Bishop Auckland from start to finish. Even with ten men for most of the game it never looked as if Bishop were going to claw themselves back. This was proof that when South Shields can be a damned hard team to play. Credit must go to every player, the management and the supporters who are all pulling together to make this club what it deserves to be... the best in the Northern League!

Captain Scroggs in acres of space

The players look like they believe in their abilities. This is priceless and will serve them well for the rest of the season. South Shields sit fourth in the league, and sit top of the recent form league after six wins from six games. Bring on the Billy Synners on Saturday and let us make it seven from seven. Up The Mariners!!!

South Shields v Whitley Bay - 7th November 09

South Shields Team Line-up

1. N Lawson
2. J Oates
3. M Rodenby
4. R Paxton (Capt.)
5. C Armstrong
6. S Fitzpatrick
7. T Coe
8. C Ellison
9. S Ramsey
10. J Wightman
11. C Feasey
12. S Parkin
13. B Riding
14. H Graham
15. D Meechan
16. J Perry

A chilly grey day didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at Filtrona Park. After a ropey performance against Jarrow Roofing earlier in the week it was hoped that an improvement would be seen against the current FA Vase holders. Whitley Bay have been in scintillating form this season but have wobbled (by their standards) lately. Could The Mariners notch up an impressive victory, or would it be a long 90 minutes…

Oates and Rodenby in the thick of the action

The opening few minutes saw both teams trying to get a grip of the game. However it was the home side who struck the first blow in the tenth minute. After some great work down the wing, Tony Coe whipped in a dangerous looking cross. Craig Ellison found himself just on the edge of the six yard box and directed his header down in to the ground with power. The ball was in the net before Burke in the Bay goal had time to react. The home supporters went crazy as Shields took the lead.

Coe produces the cross...

And Sid produces the finish. 1-0!!

Tony & Sid celebrate their success

With 12 minutes on the clock Niki Lawson found himself in the wars. He threw himself at the feet of Whitley Bay’s number 8 to snuff out an attack. Bell clattered him in the back as they collided, although it certainly didn’t appear to be intentional. As Niki received some prolonged treatment, the Cat warmed up in preparation to take over in goal. However, Niki bravely soldiered on although he looked in some discomfort at first. For the next few minutes his mobility looked compromised but he was soon moving relatively freely.

Soon after the restart Timmons made a cynical challenge on Ramsey. This was certainly going to be a full-blooded match!

On twenty minutes Bay had their first clear cut effort. Robson found himself with a bit of space just inside the Shields area. However his shot was scuffed and the ball rolled past the left hand post.

It just won't go in for Jonny (ooer missus!)

A minute later and somehow Shields didn’t extend their lead. After some great wing work by Tony Coe the ball was placed in to the six yard box. As feet and legs flailed from both sets of players the ball just wouldn’t cross the line. Both Ramsey and Wightman nudged the ball towards the net only for it to be blocked by Whitley Bay. As Bay cleared their lines they broke up field. Reid hit a decent shot but Niki Lawson was equal to it and saved well to preserve the narrow lead.As Bay cleared their lines they broke up field. Reid hit a decent shot but Niki Lawson was equal to it and saved well to preserve the narrow lead.

Ramsey once again causes problems for the Bay defence

The visitors went close again on 34 minutes. A great corner was quickly whipped in to the box. Thankfully Paxton was standing on the line and made a vital clearance as Bay pressured the Shields goal.

Just after Ellison received a slightly harsh booking for a foul Jonny Wightman hit a decent shot from 12 yards. His shot took a slight deflection which was enough to see it go just wide of the target.

Despite their best efforts Shields just couldn't get that second goal before half-time

A minute before the break Coe found himself inside the visitor’s penalty area. From 12 yards he hit a shot through the legs of the Whitley Bay defender. However he didn’t connect cleanly and the ball went wide of the post.

Wightman was a thorn in the side of the Bay defence for 90 minutes

Then in first half stoppage time Coe and Wightman joined forces inside the Bay 18 yard box to try and force home a second. Once again feet were flying and legs were outstretched as Shields tried to force the ball home and Bay tried to keep the score at 1-0. Somehow the ball was finally cleared after a spell of penalty box pinball and Whitley Bay went in at half-time chasing a one goal lead.

The second half began in the same mould as the first. Both sides were showing total commitment to the cause. Some strong tackling and dogged determination was on show and the crowd were lapping it up. Whitley Bay were starting to take the upper hand when their captain thumped a good effort that just cleared the crossbar. The build up was twice interrupted by crucial interceptions by Michael Rodenby. However no sooner had he cleared then the visitors came back at the Mariners defence.

Coe caused the visitors a lot of problems on the right flank

On 59 minutes Coe and Wightman combined well again. Coe played a great ball behind the Whitley Bay back line and Wightman connected well. Despite being well struck Terry Burke was equal to it and saved well. However the flag had gone up for offside despite two Bay defenders playing Jonny onside. Ho hum.

Ramma beats his marker, Dr Evil

In the 64th minute the visitors very nearly drew level. As they broke in to the Shields area Lawson raced out to try and claim the ball. He didn’t manage to get to the ball and Whitley Bay managed to get a header aimed towards the goal. The ball hit the crossbar and came back in to the Mariners penalty area but the follow up shot flew wide. This was fair warning that Whitley Bay wanted to take at least a point from the game.

Two minutes later and Bay had levelled. A long ball had been played forward which seemed to catch the defence a little flat-footed. Lawson was quickly out of his goal to narrow the angles and to apply pressure. Despite his best efforts the ball found its way to Paul Chow who was in space and he calmly placed the ball in to the empty net. The travelling supporters erupted and on the balance of the second half display they deserved their equaliser. 1-1.

On 70 minutes the referee thought he would have a nightmare. After a solid but fair challenge, Chris Feasey was shown a second yellow and was off for an early bath. I had a clear view of the challenge and Feasey went in strong but clearly won the ball. The player he challenged then went over the top of Feasey’s leg. Feasey is always committed but is also always a fair player. The fact that the official had got it badly wrong was demonstrated by Justin Perry who made his thoughts known to him. Unfortunately he remonstrated a little too heartily and the referee sent him from the dugout. This was a double blow as he was also named as a substitute.

Now with only ten men on the pitch it was going to be a tough twenty minutes. Both sides were giving their all in pursuit of points. Then ten minutes from time, another big talking point occurred. Initially Lawson made another great save from close range in the six yard box. After the ball was cleared some great work from Moore saw Whitley Bay put the ball back in to in the Shields box. Johnston advanced in the box but went to ground under pressure from Tony Coe. The visitors shouted for a penalty but the referee waved away the protests. I didn’t have a clear view of the incident but a few Shields supporters I spoke to said that Bay were a little unlucky not to get a spot-kick.

Unfortunately Johnston’s protests were a little too vociferous and the referee quickly brandished a red card for his dissent. The Bay fans were furious. However at least it balanced it out as Feasey shouldn’t have been dismissed earlier.

Fitzpatrick was dogged in midfield

The remainder of the game was full of activity. In the 84th minute Craig Ellison, who had an excellent game, provided a great cross for Ramsey. Young Ramma timed his header to perfection and the ball flew past Burke in the Bay goal. Suddenly Shields were 2-1 up and closing in on a memorable victory.

From the restart Whitley Bay nearly got a second. Ryan hit a shot with some power but his effort took a slight deflection and the ball went just past the top left hand corner of the Shields goal. From the resulting corner Lawson had to be on his mettle to make another decent save.

Ellison never stopped working for his team

Two minutes from time almost saw a freak goal. Ellison chased down a ball as Burke charged out from his area to clear it. Burke thumped the ball and Ellison leapt to block it. It hit his back and bounced back towards the empty Bay goal. As both players watched the drama unfold it was Burke who celebrated as the ball just rolled wide of the left hand upright.

Then bang on 90 minutes, another dramatic twist. Wightman broke in to the box and was chasing the ball to the touchline, just inside of the right hand side of the Whitley Bay penalty area. As he chased the ball to cross it, Burke sprawled out in front of him in an attempt to win the ball. However, his timing was wrong and the ball had been nudged past him. His outstretched arm tripped Wightman and the referee quite rightly pointed to the spot.

The Bay ‘keeper protested his innocence. Several Bay players told the referee that he had lost them the game. Burke moaned at Wightman and said that he wanted Jonny to take the spot-kick in an attempt to psych him out. Jonny duly obliged and coolly put the ball past Burke to the delight of his team-mates and the home supporters.

The full-time whistle blew soon after and the Mariners were celebrating a fantastic victory against last season’s FA Vase winners. Whitley Bay are still many people’s tip for the Division 1 title but Shields proved that when they are on their game they are a match for anyone in this division.

South Shields won this game through sheer hard work, determination, effort and teamwork. Every player battled and gave his all. This team is gradually improving, growing stronger month by month. The new recruit David Meechan made his debut in the second half in midfield. He looked calm, assured and keen to get involved.

A bunch of dodgy characters on day release ;o)

The victory saw South Shields climb to fifth spot in the league. A top 10 finish for the season is certainly a reality. Maybe even top 8. But let us not get too carried away… let us just enjoy the moment when we beat Whitley Bay by three goals to one. Come on you Mariners!!!!

Esh Winning v South Shields - Random Pictures

Creeping out the back door of the clubhouse for a sneaky pie or two. :O)

A Davey Special to round the day off.

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!

South Shields Team Line-up

1. N Lawson
2. J Oates
3. M Rodenby
4. R Paxton
5. C Armstrong
6. C Ellison
7. T Coe
8. J Wightman (Capt.)
9. T Stephenson
10. S Ramsey
11. C Feasey
12. A Clark
13. A Robson
14. H Graham
15. D O'Brien
16. 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...

Coe looks for a runner

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.

Stephenson shows Dunston how it's done

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.

Feasey was a handful for the Dunston defence

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!

Paxton sticks his neck out

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.

Ramsey is cynically brought down by Robson

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!!

Penrith v South Shields - Saturday 17th October 2009

South Shields Team Line-up

1. A Clark
2. J Oates
3. D Graham
4. R Paxton
5. C Ellison
6. J Wightman
7. T Coe
8. LP Scroggins (Capt)
9. T Stephenson
10. S Ramsey
11. C Feasey
12. B Riding
13. H Graham
14. A Robson
15. C Anderson
16. 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.

Some people will do anything to save paying a fiver at the gate!

The first attempt in anger came from Ellison after 6 minutes. He found himself with a little space on the edge of the area but steered his shoot just wide of the right hand post.

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.

Wightman fires one towards goal

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

A minute later and Scroggins ended up in the referee’s notebook for a foul. It may have been a bit harsh but judging by this season’s standards of officiating it was at least consistent.

There was a lot of determined tackles coming from The Mariners

A very tight period of play followed with both sides cancelling each other out. Penrith had a little more possession but couldn’t get through the Shields rearguard. It was starting to look as if this game would be decided by either a moment of genius or an error of judgement.

Scroggins shows his composure on the ball

In the 28th minute, Tony Stephenson found himself out on the left. He made himself a bit of space and whipped the ball in to the Penrith 18-yard box. Ramsey connected with his head but couldn’t direct his effort down and the ball cleared the crossbar.

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

With three minutes remaining in the first half Penrith’s Graham Anthony found himself with the ball on the edge of the Shields box. He cracked a shot at goal but Clark dived to his right and made a great save to deny him a goal. It would have been a cruel time to concede, and also against the run of play.

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!!

I opted for the mince and potato pie though a Cornish pie was also on offer. At £1.40 it was a fair price in comparison to other grounds. The pie was served at a nice temperature and came with a plastic fork jabbed in to the top. After removing the fork I got stuck in. The pastry was nice, not too thick or stodgy. The potato had settled towards the bottom of the pie but this didn’t detract too much from the overall flavour. The filling was quite peppery which I enjoyed but this may not be to everyone’s tastes. Taking that in to consideration I rate this pie 7½ out of 10. I hope this proves helpful.

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

Four minutes later Captain Scroggins found himself in the box and got his head to a cross only to see the ball loop over the bar.

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

Penrith played a decent cross in to the area a few minutes after the incident. Craig Ellison was alert and got his boot to the ball before the home side’s strikers could react and cleared the danger. Ellison never stopped running all game and credit must go to him for his efforts.

The captain forces a save from Wills in the Penrith goal

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...

and he will score!!

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

John Beresford & Eric Gates Make A Visit