Saturday 11th March 2023
Northern Premier League – East Division
Lincoln United 0 – 1 North Shields
‘Larmouth penalty enough to seal all 3 points’.
North Shields returned home from LIncolnshire with the all important 3 points courtesy of a Callum Larmouth penalty.
The game was scrappy to start with, neither team getting any rhythm going and a number of freekicks awarded stopping either team from getting any real momentum.
The Robins had the first real chance of the game, Larmouth played in over the top, he took a touch to compose himself before firing just over from a tight angle.
The game continued to be a scrappy affair, the hosts tried to hit the Robins on the break but were unable to find a way past Cam Cunningham as he provided brilliant defensive cover.
The half wore on as both teams continued to look to get a foothold on the game but were unable to do so due to a number of stoppages in play, blocked any real momentum
GOAL 33’ North Shields – Callum Larmouth, 0-1
The game changing moment and most significant point in the game, came just after the half hour mark, a corner swung in by Connor Oliver was blatantly handled by Lincoln’s Callum Foster, the referee somehow missed the offense but was aided by the away support to check with his assistant. After a short discussion the penalty kick was awarded and Foster handed a yellow card. Callum Larmouth stepped and sent Jack Steggles the wrong way.
The hosts almost hit back instantly, the Robins unable to deal with the ball into the penalty area, they however somehow managed to fire wide inside the six yard box giving the Robins a massive let off.
Good hold up and display of strength from Dan Wilson allowed him to hold off his man and win a corner for the Robins on the verge of halftime but the corner came to no avail.
The Robins went in at the break with their one goal advantage, just about edging the first half, having created the more clear cut chances but Lincoln were by no means out of the game and showed signs of danger on the attack.
As the second half got underway the Robins were straight on the front foot, Callum Larmouth powered his down the left flank before crossing in the middle to Wilson who was unable to guide his header goalwards.
Just moments later, the ball played in the box to Wilson, who appeared to be pulled down as he tried to gain a yard on his marker, the shouts for another penalty ignored by the match official.
Connor Oliver was on hand to provide defensive support only to be hacked down near the corner flag in what appeared at the time to be an unnecessary challenge.
Aaron Steavens was kept alert as he was forced to tip over a teasing cross come shot, which came at him at a great pace.
A glorious opportunity was not capitalized on by the Robins as Cam Cunningham beat the out rushing Steggles to the ball, well outside of the area, drove towards the byline before picking out Dan Wilson, who headed wide of the target.
Marc Nash then decided to reshuffle his pack as he swapped out Van-Zandvliet and Cam Cunningham for Tom Potter and Luke Heppell.
Callum Larmouth had the chance to double his tally for the afternoon but could only sting the palms of Steggles with an effort from just inside the area.
Tom Potter cut inside from the right and tried his luck but was unable to guide his effort goalbound.
Regan Paterson took the place of Dan Wilson after a hard working afternoon with a quarter of an hour left on the clock.
Connor Oliver hit the wall with a freekick, after a counter attack ended up with Luke Heppell being upended just outside the area.
The hosts, running out of time, started to apply pressure to the Robins defense in an attempt to gather something from the contest. Aaron Steavens kept his composure well under pressure to gather a dangerous cross and kill time as we approached full time.
With just 5 minutes of normal time remaining the hosts had their best chance of the afternoon to clinch a point, a header effort going just over Steavens bar from close range.
The match official indicated 5 minutes of added time in which the Robins were able to see out with stubborn defending and ensuring that the ball was not able to get anywhere near Steavens’ goal.
North Shields: Steavens, Forster, McDonald, Oliver, Jakab, Walker, Van-Zandvliet, Palmer, Wilson, Cunningham, Larmouth.
Subs not used: Hodgson,
Attendance: 149
Next Up: Sheffield (H) – Saturday 18th March – 3pm
