Match Report
Friday 16th August 2024
EBAC Northern League Division One
North Shields 1 – 1 West Allotment Celtic
A bumper crowd of 384 filled the Daren Persson Stadium as the Robins looked to avenge the previous Saturday’s defeat to the visitor’s, West Allotment Celtic.
Looking to build on from a midweek win over Tow Law Town, Brian Smith made four changes to his starting line up. Kyle Downey returned after missing the last two games.
The visitors created the first half chance in the opening moments, a shot from the edge of the area, harmlessly wide of the target.
Ten minutes on the clock before the Robins had their first real look at goal, Alx Nicholson rising highest inside the penalty area, flicking a header towards the back post, nobody in red able to get on the end of it.
The Robins took control of the game, Jamie Holmes winning a freekick in a dangerous position, however, the Robins were unable to capitalize from it.
Good build up play from Danny Anderson released Morgan Dart in behind the Allotment defense, his cross narrowly evading Ben Harmison in the middle.
On the half hour mark, Jamie Holmes created space for himself on the edge, hitting an effort on target, dealt with well by Elliott in goal for Allotment.
On the brink of half time, Kyle Downey tried his luck with an audacious effort from distance, the effort wide of the target.
One last chance for the visitors before the break, awarded a freekick just outside the box, curled over the top.
The first half brought to its conclusion, the Robins were very much in the driving seat for the majority of it, creating the more clear cut chances but unable to make them count, the visitor’s not creating much but would have been the happier of the two sides to go in at the break level.
The second half started with the visitor’s looking like a completely different team, hitting the Robins on the front foot from the whistle.
GOAL WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC 1-0 – MACKENZIE SHARPE ‘ 51
The visitors making the pressure applied count, Alfie Livermore twisting and turning down the right, creating enough space for himself to clip the ball to the back post, Sharpe unmarked able to tap the ball home close range.
A double change for the Robins saw Luke Salmon and Adam Forster replace Daryll Donnelly and Euan Anderson.
Ben Harmison was presented with a great opportunity to draw the Robins level, the ball over the top, Harmison beating the offside trap and driving towards goal, the ball caught underneath as he looked to shoot, Elliott with a good save to keep the effort out.
Another double change for the Robins saw Daniel Waldon replace Morgan Dart and Albe Fletcher replace Liam Marrs, just after the hour mark.
Kyle Downey tried again with a similar effort he had in the first half, the outcome the same.
A final change for the Robins saw Nick Cassidy take to the field in place of Kyle Downey with 20 minutes or so left on the clock.
GOAL NORTH SHIELDS 1-1 – JAMIE HOLMES ‘75
Quick thinking from Holmes, a throw in down the line, taken quickly not allowing the Allotment defence to set up, picking out Harmison, who held the ball up well, playing it back inside to Holmes on the run, skipped past three Allotment players before smashing the ball home at the front post beyond Elliott.
The visitors responded positively, a deflected effort hitting the upright, denying them from retaking the lead.
Shields looked to add pressure at every possible opportunity in the search of a winner, Ben Harmison with a chance to give the Robins the lead only to see his effort saved well by Elliott.
Late chances for both teams, the visitor’s first, a good run, twisting and turning to create space, the ball lashed through the penalty area, through the crowd of people and out for a goal kick. The Robins saw an effort saved once again by Elliott to deny them taking a late lead.
The final time whistle blowing, sharing the spoils between the two sides and a third draw of the season for Brian Smith’s side. A game in which the first half performance possibly deserved more but better finishing required. The visitors deservedly took the lead with their start to the second half but over the course of 90 minutes, a draw was the fairest outcome.
Next up for the Robins, Brian Smith’s side welcome Boro Rangers to the Daren Persson Stadium on Wednesday, 21st August with a 7.45pm kick off, we hope you can join us to cheer on the lads.
North Shields: Hodgson, Marrs, E Anderson, Downey, Coppen, Donnelly, Dart, D Anderson, Harmison, Nicholson, J Holmes.
Subs: Cassidy, Fletcher, Forster, Salmon, Waldon.
Goal Scorers: Jamie Holmes ‘75
Attendance: 384
Advanced Garage Doors MOTM: Jamie Holmes
Matchball Sponsor: The Football Pink
Next Up: Boro Rangers (H) – Wednesday 21st August – KO 7.30pm
