North Shields advance to the League Cup final in style after an impressive home performance against Shildon in the Semi-final.
The Robins’ opponents are yet to be decided, as Newcastle Blue Star will be facing off against Birtley Town to settle the other semi-final on Saturday.
Shields started the game by testing Charlie Broom in goal, as Ross’ powerful long range effort forced him to punch the ball upwards. However, this early pressure quickly unravelled when a misplaced pass from Callum Elliot was pounced upon by the away forwardline, eventually leading to Leo Buckle scoring with an impressive first-time hit from the edge of the box.
The Robins had their work cut out for them, and an in-form Ogbewe bagged the equaliser just fifteen minutes later. Carr’s initial goalbound effort was parried away by Broom, but Ogbewe got the better of his marker to run in and toe-punt home with his right foot.
Shields almost got a rapid second three minutes later, an audacious run down the wing by Blair Adams led to the veteran drifting inside and drilling the ball across the floor towards goal. Broom once again quickly got down to make the save, this time turning the ball behind for a corner.
Elliot faced one more major test before the end of the half, Ben Reay picked up the ball in space as the goalkeeper initially came bursting off his line, but he had to stand firm and make a quick save with his legs when Reay attempted to roll the ball past him.
HALF-TIME: North Shields 1-1 Shildon A.F.C
Shields started brightly once again in the second half, almost going ahead on 60 minutes when Carr delightfully slipped past his man on the wing and sprayed a pass to Ogbewe in the middle, however a slight bobble on the way meant the forwards effort blazed over the bar.
Shortly after, a brilliant first time cross was whipped into the box from range; Carr reacted quickly to move into space to meet it, but the ball whizzed past his head by mere millimetres.
The winning goal finally came 20 minutes from time after yet another long ball into the box was met with an unmarked Ryan Carr, in the right position this time to flick the ball past Broom with his head, before wheeling away in celebration.
The final, taking place on 30th April, will be a chance for North Shields to win their first League Cup since 1992, when the club competed in the Northern Counties East division.
FULL-TIME: North Shields 2-1 Shildon A.F.C
SHIELDS XI: Elliot, Doyle, Adams (Anderson, 45′), Ross, Cherry (Lish, 83′) , Harmison, Sampson, Forster (C), Ogbewe (Paterson, 90+3), Carr (Holmes, 80′), Lashley
