Match report by Mark Shield
Thornaby v North Shields
Tuesday 29th July 2025
EBAC Norther League Division 1
Teesdale Park
Photo by Karen – Thornaby FC
Thornaby 1 – 1 North Shields
A trip down the A19 was the first away match of the league season as North Shields went looking for their second win to start the season. Thornaby were coming of the back of a good away win at Birtley Town which meant it was set to be a good game between two of the early pace setters.
Brian Smith made 7 changes to his starting line up with Jon Shaw making his debut for the club. North Shields almost had the perfect start, an early corner was headed towards goal by Euan Anderson, a few of the players are away celebrating before realising the linesman’s flag has not gone up. Despite protesting the officials do not change their decision and the game stays goalless. This sets the temper for an open first half of the game, Callum Elliott is forced into a couple of early stops and North Shields have a few chances which are blocked by the last defender.
Nelson Ogbewe making his first start up front this season being a big threat going forward for North Shields, using his pace and power to hold of the defenders he wins a free kick in a dangerous position. The resulting set piece is headed against the bar by Euan Anderson but somehow Thornaby manage to clear the loose ball. Just before half time though, North Shields should fall behind as Thornaby hit on the counterattack, luckily Callum Elliott is in the right place to make a great save with his feet to keep the game level at half time.
North Shields started the 2nd half as the more dominant team, Blair Adams tries his luck from distance, with his right foot but is unlucky as it hits the post and is cleared. Dean Holmes is then put through on goal, but he just can’t get enough power to get his shot past the onrushing keeper. North Shields deservedly take the lead halfway through the half, a brilliant cross from Wanless finds Slater, who is denied by a great save, but Paterson is there to smash home the loose ball.
Losing the lead seems to spur Thornaby into putting more pressure on the North Shields goal, Stephen Hall is in the right place to deny an equaliser with a great stop with his head. The pressure does tell though as Shaun Ryder is on hand to fire home via a slight deflection after North Shields fail to clear a dangerous cross into the box. Both teams have a couple of half chance to take the 3 points, but neither side can take them as the points are shared. Overall a fair result on our travels and we look forward to welcoming Newcastle Blue Star in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary round on Saturday.
Home Goal Scorers:
Shaun Ryder 82’
Away Goal Scorers
Regan Paterson 69’
Attendance: 208
