Shields crowned champions in super style
South Shields clinched the Evo-Stik North Division title in style last night – their third championship in successive seasons.
The already-promoted Mariners cruised to a 4-0 victory at Radcliffe to seal the title.
Gavin Cogdon made the breakthrough on 23 minutes, stooping low to head home a Carl Finnigan cross.
It was 2-0 12 minutes into the second half as Michael Richardson controlled a Craig Baxter ball forward before brilliantly picking out the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Graeme Armstrong made it three on 87 minutes when, after seeing his initial shot saved, he slid the ball home.
In stoppage time, Armstrong was to have the final say, too, as he was played in on the right of the box before slotting it home in front of the Mariners’ buoyant travelling supporters.
Shields are back in action tomorrow, with Kendal Town the visitors. They will complete their season at home to Colne on Saturday.
Jarrow Roofing’s Ebac Northern League First Division survival fight suffered a costly setback last night, going down 2-0 at home to Guisborough Town.
Richie McLoughlin’s men remain four points from safety with four games to go. SeahamRedStar,Penrithand Bishop Auckland are all four points above Roofing.
The Boldon-based side fell behind after 17 minutes when Steve Roberts found the net, sweeping his shot past keeper Dan Regan from a Nathan Steel cutback.
Visiting keeper Jordan Nixon made four great saves to deny Roofing an equaliser, and Guisborough capitalised to secure victory when Beadley Mills crossed for Steel to head home the decisive second goal, three minutes into the second half.
Shildon won 2-1 atAshingtonto regain fourth place, with Billy GreulichSmith (17 minutes) and Matty Waters (66) netting either side of a Tony Stephenson strike.
Easington Colliery suffered last-gasp disappointment in Division Two, going down 2-1 at Esh Winning.
Liam Cooke and David Vincent went close for Easington before Liam Anderson was played in to coip Esh’s keeper for the opening goal.
Kyle Donaldson made a good save to keep the Colliers ahead, but Liam Adamson wasted a good chance for 2-0, firing over from six yards.
Esh eventually equalised after 83 minutes, when Daniel Kent fired home and they won it in the very last minute, when Jonathan Swift fired past Donaldson.
Durham City drew 1-1 with Billingham Town in a game of two very late goals.
Ash Lavan put Town ahead from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute, but Callum Smith grabbed a dramatic equaliser four minutes later.
Tow Law lost 3-0 to Bedlington Terriers, who boosted their survival push with goals from Ronnie Jones, Jack Foalle and Kyle Dobson.