MATCH REPORT: SOUTH SHIELDS 1-0 MARINE AFC

Dan Ward kicks off South Shields campaign as the Mariners hold off Marine in 1-0 victory.

South Shields started off their season with a 1-0 win thanks to Ward's goal right on the stroke of half-time.

South Shields came into Saturday’s fixture hoping to start their campaign strong. 

A win against visitors Marine would be tough however very much achievable. 

The game got underway with shields starting strong, the Mariners grasped a great amount of possession in the opening ten or so minutes however no clear-cut chance came from it. 

In the 11th minute of the game, Marine created a big chance at goal. 

A deflected cross fell into Ashley Hunter's path, fortunately for Shields the winger fluffed his effort and the ball was cleared by Dillon Morse.

With 20 minutes played Shields were growing even further into the tie with Paul Blackett knocking on Marines’ door.

The striker dropped his shoulder, lost Josh Wardle and released a venomous strike that raised just over the bar.

Three minutes later, Blackett again found room, spun and cracked his effort that deflected out for a corner.

The Mariners closing in on the opener — created yet again an opportunity at goal.

Will Jenkins played a stunning ball into Dan Ward who burst forward with pace and power, before slicing the ball across the box toward Blackett. 

The ball just crept away from the striker and toward goalkeeper Matteo Spinelli who caught comfortably.

Right on the stroke of half-time, the Mariners got the well deserved opener. 

Blackett charged down the right side before fizzing a ball across the box — perfectly for Ward, who looped the ball over Spinelli and into the net. 

Seven minutes into the second-half and Marine looked as though they got the equaliser.

Fin Sinclair-Smith whipped a cross with tremendous pace toward the back post where an acrobatic George Newell flicked his effort away from goal. 

With just more than 20 minutes to play, Shields looked as though they had got the two-goal cushion they had been looking for. 

Ward was played down the left side after some intricate one-two football from Savage and himself — Ward then stuck in the cross that landed for Jenkins who was unable to put it away. 

Jasper Sheik, Daniel Dodds, Dillon Morse, (Sloan 90+3’), Robbie Tinkler, Ethan Mann, Cain Sykes, (Smith 77), Dan Savage, David Carson, (Briggs 77’), Dan Ward, (Kelly 68’) Will Jenkins, Paul Blackett