Match Report: South Shields 2-0 Marine

Paul Blackett’s first-half brace earned South Shields a convincing 2-0 win over Marine on Saturday afternoon.

He tucked away a penalty in the 11th minute - following a challenge in the box by James Butler - before adeptly crafting the team’s second of the afternoon in the 25th minute when he capitalised on a poor goal kick on Marine’s part. 

That win pushed the Mariners up to ninth in the Vanarama National League North table and they sit just two points outside the play-off spots as we approach the Christmas run-in.

Something worth noting, also, is that Shields have the third best home record in the division, having picked up 23 points from 12 home matches thus far. 

It should be a real confidence boost for Elliott Dickman’s side, who now look to Boxing Day’s challenge away against Spennymoor Town.

Things got off to the perfect start when Blackett dispatched his penalty down the middle and past Marine ‘keeper, Matthew Corran.

From then on, Shields really dominated in possession and carved numerous chances during a highly-productive and enjoyable first-half.

In one instance, Lucas De Bolle did well to win the ball high up the pitch, but after laying it off to Tom Allan, his effort was blocked. 

One became two for the prolific forward, who has now struck his 14th goal of the season, when he charged through following a mis-kick from Corran up the field. 

Blackett simply lobbed the ball over the unsuspecting shot-stopper to grab his second of the afternoon.

In part, it may have had to do with the strong wind but the talisman will be delighted with a second goal, in whatever the circumstances. 

Credit must be awarded to Allan for his free-kick shortly before half-time which rattled off the crossbar!

Dickman’s side did well to resist a challenge from Marine after the break and they professionally dealt with the struggling side.

Shields kick-off their post-Christmas schedule with a Boxing Day visit to Spennymoor. More information will be available on the club’s social media pages leading up to matchday! 

South Shields: Boney, Hughes (Taylor 78’), Broadbent (90+1’), Briggs, Shepherd, Smith, Jenkins, Mee, De Bolle, Allan (Crossley 68’), Blackett. 

Unused substitutes: Seymour, Bramwell. 

Goals: Blackett (11’, 24’). 

Marine: Corran, Mattock, Wardle, Brown, Butler, Gregson, Sinclair-Smith, Whelan, Doyle, Agius, Murphy. 

Substitutes: Atcheson, Robinson, Thomas, Lusiama, Holmes. 

Attendance: 1,829.

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19)