Adam Yates reports from the 1st Cloud Arena as Marine were desperately unlucky not to leave South Shields with a result as they ended up on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline.
Marine’s build up play was providing opportunities throughout the ninety minutes whereas South Shields were equally getting dangerous possession on the counter attacks.
The hosts had a messy opening 15 mins as sloppy play led to a barrage of Marine possession in their half. Harvey Gregson blasted a shot just over the bar (as well as a similar chance after the break). Sam Fielding and George Newell had shots of their own but they didn’t trouble the home keeper, Jasper Sheik. The best of the lot came from Ash Hunter who may be kicking himself after he launched himself at the far post to reach the ball but he didn’t full connect and was eventually cleared from the line.
South Shields danger man, Paul Blackett meanwhile, was beginning to get into the game and had a couple of shots go wanting. However he eventually turned playmaker on a counter attack and squared the ball across goal to his teammate Dan Ward who made no mistake from close range on the cusp of half time.
The second half was mostly a repeat of the first with both teams cancelling each other out with different styles of play. Ash Hunter had a free kick tipped over and then George Newell had his own back post chance via a Sinclair Smith cross but again, the shot wasnt pure and it bobbled across the goal rather than in it.
A brief player and staff melee captured the imagination of the crowd following a rough tackle on Marine defender James Brown and the rest of the half was a tense affair but South Shields successfully held onto their clean sheet and an opening day victory.
Bobby Grant and his squad will be hoping for better luck next Saturday as they host Buxton.
South Shields: Jasper Sheik, Robbie Tinkler (C), Cain Sykes (Briggs 78′), Dillon Morse (Sloane 92′), Paul Blackett, Will Jenkins, Dan Ward (Kelly 68′), Ethan Mann, Dan Savage, Daniel Dodds, David Carson (Smith 78′)
Unused subs: Ewan McGowan, Louis Burns
Marine: 31. Matteo Spinelli, 2. James Brown, 3. Bailey Sloane, 6. James Butler, 7. Fin Sinclair-Smith, 8. Harvey Gregson (4. Leigh Whelan 90′), 9. George Newell, 12. AJ Warburton (10. Matty McDonald 68′), 21.Josh Wardle (C), 22. Ash Hunter, 25. Sam Fielding (11. Bailey Marsden 49′)
Unused subs: 13. Richard Cowderoy, 14. Adam Thomas, 15. Lewis Bell, 20. Harry Huby
Attendance 1759
Highlights: https://youtu.be/DXwL3SeVQtk?list=PL4cKwAKhPtcjS4zvhR2uyXuGShlJSHscD
Bobby Grant Interview: https://youtu.be/9lj-KoDx6zo