Match Report: South Shields 0-1 Brackley Town

South Shields slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon, thanks to George Carline’s first-half strike. 

His 36th-minute goal proved to be the difference-maker, which kept the visitors’ title dreams alive and well, not least due to results elsewhere working in their favour.

Shields will no doubt be left disappointed given they did well at times to create some chances, though the final outcome was that of a fifth successive loss in the Vanarama National League North.

A more positive fact, meanwhile, was that Mackenzie Heaney returned to action following his leave of absence in recent weeks, and he was named captain for the occasion.

Manager Elliott Dickman also handed James Sloan his first start this season, while a total number of five South Shields FC Academy graduates were named in the first-team squad. 

Kyle Seymour has taken up a more integral role behind the sticks lately and that continued with a fine clearance to tip a Brackley free-kick over the bar in the early stages.

Paul Blackett charged through on goal in the 15th minute but Jonny Maxted did superbly to deny him from adding to his already-stacked goal tally.

The Mariners continued to push for an opening goal - Martin Smith was next in line to supply Shields’ talisman Blackett with an opportunity, but Maxted got to it in time.

A few minutes later, Blackett tried again from a solo effort but his shot flew well over the bar.

Ewan McGowan, one of the aforementioned academy graduates in the team, almost sent Shields into the lead following a well-timed piece of play with loanee Alfie Myers-Smith. 

It wasn’t to be, however, as Brackley scored a few minutes later - Tyler Lyttle floated a cross into the box before Gareth Dean headed it down for Carline to finish.

Just before the break it could have been level, if not for a quick save by Maxted to stop Blackett.

The visitors pressed for a second after the restart but the game largely saw itself out with the scores intact, with Blackett and David Carson coming closest for Shields. 

Up next, the Mariners welcome Southport to 1st Cloud Arena next Saturday for their penultimate home game of the season (3pm kick-off).

South Shields: Seymour, Myers-Smith (Crossley 65’), Sloan, Briggs, Shepherd, Heaney, Carson, Smith, Jenkins (Ward 77’), Blackett, McGowan (Stephenson 65’)

Unused substitutes: Boney, Taylor

Brackley Town: Maxted, Carline, Dean, Roberts (Bates 62’), Lowe (Okafor 78’), Lyttle, Donawa, O’Sullivan, Lilly, Byrne, Hall (Newton 70’)

Unused substitutes: Calder, Pollock

Goals: Carline (36’)

Attendance: 1,706

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19