Seadogs sink Mariners to inflict rare home defeat on hosts

SOUTH Shields lost a home league game for the first time since November 2016 as they were comfortably beaten by a disciplined and organised Scarborough Athletic.

The Seadogs claimed a 3-1 win, meaning they are the first visiting side since North Shields to leave Mariners Park with all three points.

The hosts started brightly and had the first chance as former Newcastle midfielder Matty Pattison flashed a shot narrowly wide of Tom Taylor’s near post. However, the visitors took control and quickly created chances, with James Walshaw, David Merris and Michael Coulson all going close in quick succession.

It was Coulson who finally broke the deadlock with a penalty just after the half-hour mark.

The forward was brought down by Mariners keeper Liam Connell and made no mistake from the spot, sending the former Dunston UTS number one the wrong way.

The lead was doubled five minutes before the break as Nathan Valentine’s header sneaked past Connell inside his near post.

The impressive James Walshaw hit a post on the brink of half-time, but his side had to settle for a two-goal lead at the break. That lead was extended to three early in the second half thanks to a Max Wright header. Substitute Carl Finnigan wasted a golden chance to get the Mariners back within two goals but dragged a shot wide.

The striker was fortunate not to be shown a red card by referee Lindsey Robinson after seeming to lash out at Seadogs defender Nathan Valentine, but Robinson elected for a yellow card after consulting her assistant.

Jamie Holmes scored a late consolation goal for South Shields.