Newton Aycliffe 0-2 South Shields

South Shields began life under Julio Arca with a win thanks to second half goals from Jordy Mongoy and Will McGowan at Newton Aycliffe.

Mongoy opened the scoring three minutes after half-time after some fine work from debutant John Lufudu before McGowan sealed the victory with a superb strike from distance.

The result saw the Mariners start their pre-season programme in positive fashion ahead of their sold-out home fixture against Sunderland on Saturday.

This was a match which saw the champions of the Northern League and Northern Premier League go head-to-head, and the first half was a relatively even contest which saw opportunities at both ends.

Shields lined up in a 3-5-2 formation and had an early chance when Mongoy worked some space for himself in the area, but his low effort was kicked away by the goalkeeper.

Mackenzie Heaney produced some bright moments in his left wing-back role while at the other end, Myles Boney twice needed to be alert to make smart stops.

Paul Blackett was another lively presence on his first appearance for the Mariners, and he almost found the net on 22 minutes with a glancing header from a Will Jenkins delivery.

Jenkins himself went close with a powerful strike from distance which crashed against the post, before he was one of seven players replaced at half-time as Shields switched formations.

Right-back Lufudu was among those to be brought on and he made an immediate impact as he forced a brave block after a burst forward.

He dashed down the flank again on 48 minutes and this time found a reward, with his ball across the face of goal turned in from close range by Mongoy.

Luke James was similarly impressive after stepping off the bench and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet, seeing two 20 yard strikes saved by the goalkeeper before charging down a clearance and seeing the ball ricochet over.

Shields' second goal came shortly after the halfway mark in the second half, and in some style, with McGowan's piledriver from 25 yards sailing into the roof of the net. It was some re-introduction to Mariners life for the midfielder, who spent much of last season on loan with Blyth Spartans.

Much of the Mariners' play went through McGowan after his introduction at half-time and his effort was the last meaningful action as Shields recorded a 2-0 victory.

It's Championship opposition up next as Sunderland make the short journey to South Tyneside.

South Shields: Boney (Trialist 46), Jenkins (Lufudu 46), Heaney (Adams 46), Trialist (McGowan 46), Morse (Marriott 65), Marriott (Liddle 46), Mottley-Henry (James 46), Briggs (c) (McGeorge 65), Blackett (Hodgson 46), Mongoy (Trialist 65), Broadbent (Gomes 46).

Goals: Mongoy (48), McGowan (69).

Image: Craig McNair.