Three cheers as Shields are close to glory
N/EAST WOMEN’S LEAGUE NORTHERN DIVISION
TITLE favourites South Shields edged closer to the title, grinding out a 3-0 success at Blyth.
The sides were separated by a massive 28 points at the start of the day – but it was the hosts who started positively with Hannah Coatham testing the goalkeeper.
South Shields struggled to break down a stubborn Blyth side but, with their only first-half shot in the 19th minute, took the lead.
A cross from the left was volleyed in skilfully by Dionne Fleming from just outside the sixyard box.
Chances were also at a premium in the second 45 minutes, the title chasers enjoying all the possession but without creating any scoring opportunities.
After 72 minutes a precise Laura Howe corner left Victoria Sheriff with an easy tap-in at the back post to double their advantage.
Seven minutes from time, individual skill from Elizabeth Fraser made it 3-0, Fraser shooting past the goalkeeper after beating two defenders.
South Shields now lead Boldon CA Villa and Boro Rangers by five points with three matches left, while only goal difference keeps Blyth off bottom spot.
Boro Rangers scraped past fourth-placed Consett 1-0 at home to keep their slim hopes alive – and ending any chance Consett might have had of honours.
Consett are now ten points behind the leaders after Larissa Burkinshaw hit Rangers’ winner 20 minutes from time.
Guisborough moved level on points with Blyth at the bottom after their 2-2 home draw with Cramlington.
In-form striker Chloe Roylance gave Cramlington an early advantage but Laura Wallace sent the sides in level, netting ten minutes before the interval.
Kathryn Iseton put the hosts in the lead eight minutes into the second half, but a mistake in the last minute by the home goalkeeper allowed Emma Graham to equalise, keeping Guisborough bottom on goal difference.
South Shields make the trip to Prudhoe Town on Sunday.
Boldon CA Villa host Blyth and Boro Rangers travel to face York RI.
Should Boldon and Boro Rangers slip up, a South Shields victory would see them confirmed as champions.
Consett host Guisborough in the day’s other match.