Match Report: South Shields 4-1 Chorley

South Shields reached the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup in style with a thumping 4-1 victory over Chorley on Saturday.

The first of two games between the two sides over the next seven days, the bragging rights firmly went to the Mariners who will be looking at Monday’s draw in anticipation.

Will Jenkins netted a brace, firstly in the 18th minute and secondly in the 78th minute, while Paul Blackett complemented his double in the 25th minute from the spot, and finally Dan Dodds in the 74th minute.

Chorley registered a consolation goal through an own goal.

Robbie Tinkler kicked things off from a Shields perspective early on when his pass found a waiting Blackett in the box, who cut inside and shot firmly, but straight, at the ‘keeper.

Next it was Cedwyn Scott's turn to have some fun; he spun around Luke Summerfield before trying a shot at goal, but it was deflected out and well-cleared by George Pratt.

Harry Ibbitson made the most out of a counter-attack for the visitors, making his way into the centre of the field before firing near the edge of the box, but his shot was off target.

A scramble near the goalmouth in the 18th minute led to Scott laying it off to Jenkins, who only had to aim on target near the six yard box, firing past some of the Chorley backline who were camped on the goal line.

He duly did so and gave the Mariners a well-deserved lead.

It wasn’t too before Shields made it two – Jenkins started a surging counter-attack which found Blackett just past the centre line.

He carried it up the field, amidst a tussle with Pratt, before Blackett was pulled down in the box.

Although Matt Urwin appeared to make contact with Blackett’s penalty, it found its way into the back of the net nevertheless to extend Shields’ advantage.

Blackett was denied a second by the offside flag after Jenkins had played him through on goal.

Needless to say, the big chances kept on coming after the break.

Scott was afforded some space in front of goal but he overhit his attempt, which landed over the bar.

Blackett did the exact same thing, a little closer to goal, and his shot went astray.

A scintillating run which started from Sheik in goal couldn’t be turned in by Caden Kelly who was just inches from the line; Shields had come agonisingly close to adding another to the scoresheet.

But when the goals came in, they flooded in – Dodds made it three with a well-worked finish from just inside the 18-yard box.

A potential miscommunication at the back saw Chorley get something to cheer about moments later, before Jenkins fired in his second of the afternoon shortly after.

Jenkins nearly scored his hat-trick as he was sent through on goal with minutes to spare but his finish rattled the post. 

Shields saw out the game to advance to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup, which will be played in two weeks' time.

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Bainbridge, Sykes (Savage 86’), Morse (Mann 86’), Blackett (Alcock 77’), Jenkins, Scott, Kelly (Woolston 68’), Dodds, Carson (Ward 68’).

Unused substitutes: Smith, Walsh.

Goals: Jenkins (18’, 78’), Blackett (25’), Dodds (74’).

Chorley: Urwin, Ellis, Nolan (Calveley 62’), Hewitt, Moore (Henley 72’), Summerfield, Blakeman (Clarke 79’), Lalkovic (Walker 62’), Whitehouse (Carr 62’), Ibbitson, Pratt. 

Unused substitutes: Smith, Bird.

Goals: Own Goal (77’).

Attendance: 990.

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19)