16-Aug-2011 - South Shields 2 Norton & Stockton 4

South Shields were defeated by Norton & Stockton Ancients 4-2 in their first home game of the season last night.

The game was to start brightly and Shields created the first chance when a long range free kick, taken by Alex Benjamin, was tipped over the bar by Provett in the Norton goal. Benjamin was to again go close from the resulting corner.

Human barrier

It was to be Norton and Stockton who took the lead on 15 minutes. The ball was played through to Sonny Anderson, who's pace took him away from the Shields defence and he was able to slot the ball past Carmichael who had returned to the South Shields goal.

Ramma takes on all

And Sonny Andrews almost made it 2-0 moments later when he was again put through on goal, but this time the Norton number 9 hit the ball high of Carmichaels goal.

Sonny Andrews was then to become creator when he set his strike partner Richards away on 20 minutes, but a great save from Carmichael prevented Norton & Stockton from doubling their lead. The pace of the front two were causing the Shields defence all kinds of problems.

Benjamin applies pressure

Yanis Galas, making his home debut for the Mariners was to test Provett with a long range effort after Ramsey had held the ball up well, but the visiting keeper made a strong save.

But on 27 minutes, Norton and Stockton doubled the lead. A long throw from the left falls to Alderson who was able to fumble the ball past Talbot and Carmichael and over line.

Galas stretches high

And it's was 3-0 on 32 minutes when some slick passing from Norton and Stockton setup Clarke who was free in the box and he was able to beat Carmichael from close range.

Just before half time, Yanis Galas picked the ball up on the half way line, ran at the defence with pace and picked a perfect pass to Stephen Ramsey who beat the keeper to reduce the lead and give the home side confidence going into the break.

Keeper forces his way through

Manager Gary Steadman rang the changes at the break with Burnell, Colvin and McAvoy replacing Grant, Hamilton and Briggs and the changes were to have an immediate impact as the Mariners looked more confident and creative in the early stages of the second half.

Ramsey stays focused

And Shields were to pressurise the Norton and Stockton defence. Colvin crossed for Ramsey who directed a head goalwards, but Provett was just able to prevent the ball crossing the line. Galas went close moments later, but his half volley was marginally over the bar.

South Shields were then awarded a penalty in the 64th minute, when Stephen Ramsey was fouled in the box. Alex Benjamin stepped up to take the penalty, but much to everyones surprise inside Filtrona Park, his penalty came back off the post.

Substitute Shaun McAvoy was to go agonisingly close on 67 minutes, but his shot went across the face of goal and wide.

Benjamin fires narrowly wide

But Shields were to eventually get the goal their pressure deserved, when the ball pinged around the Norton and Stockton box, it eventually fell to Alex Benjamin who smashed the ball past Provett to bring the score back to 2-3.

The home side searched for the equaliser and some great pace and skill down the right from Lawsons Timber sponsored Man of the Match Yanis Galas, made room for for the cross, but Provett was first to it.

But Norton and Stockton were to kill the game off on 80 minutes when the visitors won a free kick on the edge of the box. The free kick was taken by Huggins from the left and was headed home by Alderson for his second and Nortons fourth.

Shields didn't give up and within a minute had a chance of their own when an excellent cross by Colvin was volleyed goalwards by Galas, but the ball was cleared off the line by the visiting defence.

Almost but not quite

The Mariners were unable to get the two goals required to get their first points on the board for the season and will now have an early break from league duties when they visit Chester le Street in the FA Cup on Saturday.