Match Report
Wednesday 1st November 2023
EBAC Northern League Division One
‘Robins rise victorious at Phoenix Park’
Boro Rangers 0 – 1 North Shields
A chilly night on Teesside was the setting for the Robins first game in a fortnight as they took on last year’s division two champions Boro Rangers at their new home, Phoenix Park.
Dan Iredale handed debuts to Graham Williams in defence and Ben Sayer in midfield with Rhys McLeod starting from the bench.
The game started slowly with both teams looking to get into the driving seat, Shields with a slow build up approach playing out from the back, the hosts looking to break on the counter with pace.
The first chance of the game fell to McIntyre after a good move down the left involving Potter and Forster, the ball worked into the middle to McIntyre who fired over from 12 yards, a massive let off for the hosts.
The hosts then created their best chance of the half, always looking dangerous on the counter, using their pace to unlock a gate through the Robins defence, the ball squared into the middle only for the forward to turn his effort over the bar, with an open goal in front of them.
The Robins had the ball in the back of the net, Forster and Potter combining well again down the left, the ball cut back too Sayer to pass the ball home, only for the match officials to have judged Forster offside in the build up.
The Robins continued to press, working from the back, Robson carving a path through the Rangers midfield but unable to find the killer pass required.
The hosts continued to break with pace, causing the Robins problems to think about, fortunately poor finishing letting the Robins off.
Goalless at the break, the Robins controlling the possession, moving the ball, finding space to attack down the left, Sayer looking to use his experience and orchestrate the flow of attacks. The hosts, always looking to hit on the counter, showing glimpses of how dangerous they can be on the attack, looking to capitalize with their pace.
The second half started with the Robins going on the attack, almost immediately, Tom Potter switching to the right flank, driving at the Rangers defence, found himself upended as he looked to carve a way into the penalty area.
GOAL ’52 – Boro Rangers 0 – 1 NORTH SHIELDS – Connor Oliver
More good work going forward, Brad Hird working hard up top, won the Robins a corner, swung in deep by Potter, Connor Oliver ghosted his way in at the back post before rising highest to head his effort back across goal into the far top corner.
Within minutes of the kick off, the Robins were presented a golden opportunity to double their advantage, great work saw the ball played through the middle with McIntyre driving forward from midfield, one on one with the keeper he waited a moment to long, to try and beat the keeper, who made himself big to block the effort.
The Robins continued to look to double their advantage, Dan Turner went on a marauding run, skipping past several players, before hitting an effort on goal, which took a deflection, looped over the keeper, hitting the top of the bar on its way out for a corner.
Rhys McLeod was introduced into the action in place of McIntyre, looking to go straight on the track down the right hand side.
The hosts continued to hit on the break, forcing the Robins to keep one eye on defence. Reminding the Robins that they were still in the game, the best opportunity of an equalizer came when Hodgson done well down to his left, to keep out an effort from distance, the ball falling to Rangers player rushing into the penalty area, only to fire an effort wide of the target to the relief of the Robins.
The Robins were able to see out the remaining time unscathed and ensured that the all important three points were returning with them to North Tyneside.
Overall a brilliant performance from the Robins against a very good Boro Rangers team, Ben Sayers impressing on his debut, looking to share his experience and knowledge to create attacking opportunities. Graham Williams also with a solid performance in defence, Rhys McLeod showing glimpses with more to come.
Credit to Boro Rangers, who made it tough for the Robins, always looked dangerous on the counter attack, had they have been more clinical in front of goal, the result could have been somewhat different, we look forward to welcoming everybody involved at Boro Rangers to the Daren Persson Stadium in February.
Next up the Robins is a trip to Sunderland RCA, this coming Saturday with a 3pm kick off, weather permitting.
North Shields: Hodgson, Williams, Forster, Oliver ©, Bexton, Robson, Potter, Sayer, Hird, McIntyre, Turner.
Goal Scorers: Connor Oliver (52‘)
Attendance: 162
Next Up: Sunderland RCA – EBAC Northern League Div One – Saturday 4th Nov – 3pm
