Match Report: South Shields 0-0 Radcliffe

South Shields and Radcliffe played out a goalless draw in front of a crowd of more than 3,200 on Non-League Day.

An attritional affair between the Pitching In Northern Premier League's top two was unable to produce a winner, despite much probing for an opening by both teams.

Shields had the better of the play and chances in the first half, but clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by.

It was the visitors who had the first sight of goal, with Matty Grivosti screwing wide from 10 yards within the opening two minutes.

Much of the Mariners' attacking play was directed down the right as Jordan Hunter and Mackenzie Heaney combined to good effect, and a cross from the latter threatened to create the breakthrough on 12 minutes, but Dylan Mottley-Henry was just unable to get clean contact on an attempted flick.

Fine margins went against the hosts once more when Hunter's superb low ball almost found Jordy Mongoy before being crashed behind for a corner.

Ade Shokunbi went the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when he was found by Hunter and curled a shot inches past the post.

There were efforts from distance by Martin Smith and Robert Briggs which were blocked, while a Heaney corner was dropped by Luke Hutchinson and almost turned home by Mongoy.

On the stroke of half-time, Shokunbi had another close shave with a half volley from the edge of the area which Hutchinson tipped over.

The match continued to be tight into the second half, but the visitors almost took the lead before the hour mark when a Grivosti header from a corner was excellently tipped onto the post by Myles Boney.

At the other end, Jack Evans headed narrowly post his own post and Mottley-Henry headed over from a Heaney corner as Shields attempted to generate some momentum.

There was then a chance for Briggs as he was picked out by a terrific chip by Smith and his header went narrowly over.

Boney saved a low effort from Grivosti midway through the second half, Rick Smith headed wide from a later corner and substitute Mikael Ndjoli had a strong drive excellently saved by Boney as the visitors threatened to claim the points.

A goal ultimately proved elusive, though, as the teams were forced to settle for a point each.

South Shields: Boney, Hunter, Adams (c) (Doherty 56), Liddle, Broadbent, Smith, Heaney, Briggs, Mottley-Henry (Osei 75), Shokunbi, Mongoy (Alessandra 81). Sub not used: Gomes, Gardiner.

Attendance: 3,243.

Image: Kev Wilson.