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

Random Pictures From Bridlington

An early start, but everone's raring to go!

On arrival, no time wasted making ourselves at home.

Behind the goal in the first half.

That trainer looks a bit intense mind.

Clarkie pulls off a good save.

A glancing header from Davey brought a good save from the keeper in the dying seconds.

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