Match Report: South Shields 1-0 Leamington

South Shields returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 win against Leamington at 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday.

Backed by a bumper crowd of in excess of 2,000 supporters, Tom Broadbent’s header separated the two sides, although some may argue it could and should have been more. 

Elliott Dickman handed Myles Boney a start in goal, after opting for the more youthful Kyle Seymour in recent outings, and he impressed although he wasn’t made to do much.

His clean sheet was the first one since September 3rd, against Buxton in the Vanarama National League North, when Aidan Rutledge's first-half stoppage-time free-kick earned Shields the three points.

More tellingly was the introduction of last season’s divisional top goalscorer, Paul Blackett, who made a welcome return to action during the second-half.

Shields dominated from the off and within the first six minutes, there were excellent chances for Mackenzie Heaney (who aimed a shot away as he entered the box, just over) and Jid Okeke, whose attempt was held by Leamington’s Callum Hawkins. 

The game turned scrappy at times, with a handful of yellow cards dished out on both ends - and a red card after the break for Will Shorrock, following a very late challenge on Okeke. 

In the 21st minute, jubilation struck as Broadbent got on the end of Will Jenkins’ delivery, in off a corner, and that sent the crowd wild. 

It was a fantastic advert for the club, after the successful ‘bring two guests for free’ offer was advertised to season ticket holders in the run-up to the game. 

Jenkins was the next to go close, shooting from the edge of the box but unfortunately it sailed just above the crossbar. 

Shields went into the break happy but they were acutely aware they needed to protect the lead they had amassed, as one goal could swing the momentum out of their favour.

Callum Stewart went very close for the visitors, when his 53rd minute shot struck the bar, however the chaos in the build-up meant Shields could create a chance of their own.

Crossley’s resulting shot was blocked, though it was a fine opportunity in the first place to have transformed a nervy moment into a catapulting one near the other end. 

Shorrock was sent off in the 58th minute and the Mariners appeared to control the game thereafter. 

The Mariners are back at 1st Cloud Arena on Tuesday when they welcome bottom-placed Radcliffe to the North East (7:45pm kick-off). 

South Shields: Boney, Okeke, Broadbent, Morse, Briggs, Shepherd, Heaney, Smith, Jenkins (Mee 82’), Crossley (Blackett 74’), Hodgson. 

Unused substitutes: Seymour, Bramwell, McGowan. 

Goals: Broadbent (21’). 

Leamington: Hawkins, Meredith, Quaynor (Doyle-Charles 84’), Streete (Evans 89’), Landers (Rowe 79’), Walker, Stewart, Berridge (Lynn 75’), Shorrock, Ward, Williams (Medrano 84’). 

Unused substitutes: None. 

Attendance: 2,133. 

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19)