A tough game was in prospect today as Shields took on Newcastle Benfield at Sam Smith Park in dull overcast conditions, with rain just starting to fall as the match got underway.
Applying the pressureHowever Shields were not overawed and proceeded to take the game to the home side, and indeed looked the better side.
Galas gets the shot inShields had the opportunity to level the scores in the 36th minute when Rodenby cut in from the right and was tripped in the box, with the referee pointing to the spot. It was noticeable that no one in the Shields ranks were keen to step up and take the spot kick so it was down to Alex Benjamin to take the penalty. Alex's shot was firmly struck but Benfield keeper Grainger diving to his right block the shot and the chance was cleared.
Getting the header firstShields continued to press forward for the remainder of the half but clear chances were few and far between.
O'Brien shields the ballEarly in the second half Shields were dealt a blow when Duncan O'Brien went down and after lengthy treatment had to leave the field to be replaced by Tony Coe.
Coe the inspirationCoe was immediately in the thick of things and within a couple of minutes of coming on Coe provided a perfect cross from the right, which was met at full stretch by Shaun McAvoy and his header looped over Grainger and high into the net for an excellent goal.
Coe battles for everythingShields pushed on and came close to another goal as a shot from Benjamin on the hour just cleared the bar. The Mariners by now were clearly playing the better football and looking to grab the advantage.
Benjamin outnumberedGalas was substituted in the 62nd minute as Gilberto Chapim entered the field. Shields were on top for most of the second half and almost took the win when Grainger produced a top class save in the dying minutes.
Grainger the saviourRight at the end there were strong appeals for another penalty as the ball struck the arm of a Benfield player but the referee waved away the appeals.
