Wednesday 24th August 2022
Pitching In North Premier League – East Division
North Shields 2 – 1 Tadcaster Albion
By Sam Cave
Tadcaster Albion made the 95 mile trip north for a midweek clash, which saw Marc Nash’s men continue the impressive start to the campaign.
It was the visitors with the first chance of the game early doors, as no.7 Jack Johnson found space down the right hand side, firing an effort high and wide of the mark.
Shields responded with good pressure not allowing Tadcaster to get out of their own half, David Robinson finding Dan Wilson on the center, who shot just wide of the goal.
David Robinson then almost opened the scoring for the Robins’ as he tried a cheeky lob over the Taddy keeper Harry Fisk at full stretch.
Quick thinking from Chris McDonald found Robinson with a throw-in, who won a corner which resulted in Connor Oliver glancing a header off the wrong side of the post.
At the other Taddy had a chance of their own, only to be denied by Liam Doyle, followed by a great save to his left from Finlay Hodgson.
Chris McDonald was then called on for defensive duties to clear off the line from a Taddy corner.
At the other end, patient build up play from the Robins’ the ball worked to Cam Cunningham who tested Harry Fisk from outside the area.
GOAL 27’ – Cam Cunningham 1-0
Shields won the ball on half way, Paul Van Zandvliet who played through Cam Cunningham with a defense splitting ball. Cam Cunningham kept his composure and slotted the ball home to give the Robins the lead.
Jack Walker was called into action to deny the visitors the opportunity with a quick reply.
Shields continued to press and look for a second goal.
Cam Cunningham almost turned provider as he swung over a corner, which was narrowly headed wide by Paul Van Zandvliet.
Chris McDonald continued to work hard down the left hand side to create chances, he was able to cross in to pick out David Robinson, who fired a volley just wide.
Shields were also having luck down the right hand side as Regan Paterson, David Robinson and Dan Wilson combined well, only for David Robinson touch to be heavy at the crucial point.
Regan Patersone showed some silky footwork to leave his defender and create space to fire off an effort, only to be comfortably saved by Harry Fisk’.
The referee brought the first half proceedings to an end with the Robins’ deservedly in the lead, controlling the game for large parts.
As the second half started, it was the hosts and Cam Cunningham at the Taddy defense again, firing over after finding space.
Taddy broke in search of an equalizer only to be denied by a Chris McDonald interception.
Captain Anthony Myers played a long ball over the top, picking out Cam Cunningham who tried his hand at lobbing Harry Fisk’ only to see his effort land on top of the net.
Taddy continued to look for an equalizer and FInlay Hodgson did well to deny them, tipping over an effort from outside the area.
GOAL 52’ Brett Agnew 1-1
The Robins failed to deal with a corner and Brett Agnew pounced to head home to bring the visitors level.
Shields then had three consecutive corners, which all eluded the required touch to restore the lead.
Cam Cunningham continued to cause issues for the Taddy’ defense and saw an effort guided out for a corner.
From the resulting corner Taddy counter attacked on the Robins’ who were saved by Finlay Hodgson who stood his ground to keep the visitors out.
Brad HIrd replaced Regan Paterson as Shields searched for a goal to restore the lead.
GOAL 80’ Cam Cunningham 2-1
Shields won a free kick deep inside Taddy’ territory, which was swung in deep by Connor Oliver, who picked out Anthony Myers who headed back across goal for Cam Cunningham to fire home to restore the lead.
Dan Wilson then almost put the game to bed as he broke free of the Taddy defense only to see his effort go agonizingly wide.
A double change to keep hold of all 3 points, saw JJ Chrisp and Stephen Forster replace Dan Wilson and Cam Cunningham.
The referee indicated 4 minutes of added time.
Tadcaster almost drew level at the death, Brett Agnew finding space in the Shields penalty area, to head off the crossbar and out for a goal kick to relief of the Robins’.
In one last attempt for an equalizer, Taddy sent up all 11 men for a corner to no avail as Shields were able to clear their lines as the referee brought the game to an end.
Confirming Shields’ first league win of the season, putting them in 6th place after 3 games and 5 points on the board.
The Pub & Kitchen MOM award was presented to Cam Cunningham for a second impressive performance on the bounce.
On Saturday 27th August, the Robins make the journey to Nottinghamshire, where they will look to continue their good form against Long Eaton United.
