MARINERS LAND A FAB FOURSOME
HOME specialists South Shields ended the year with an impressive 100 per cent league record at Mariners Park.
A tenth straight win on home soil left Shields firmly in the promotion hunt and visitors Workington in the relegation mire.
Both sides had won away on Boxing Day and the Reds can take comfort from having at least three games in hand on their fellow strugglers.
This was always going to be a difficult road trip for the Cumbrians – and so it proved.
A first-half goal from Lee Mason and others from Nathan Lowe, Robbie Briggs and substitute Josh Gillies gave the Mariners a comfortable win.
Shields joint-manager Lee Picton was delighted to build on the midweek win at promotion rivals Scarborough.
“It was a much-needed three points,” said Picton.
“They came with a very clear plan to sit back and frustrate us. It was another good win but we won’t get carried away.”
The Mariners were ahead after just 12 minutes as David Foley’s through ball found Mason and he calmly slotted home into the bottom corner.
The Reds almost produced an immediate equaliser as Samuel Joel’s cross found Scott Allison and his header forced a goal-line clearance from Jon Shaw.
Mason’s effort was well-saved by Aaron Taylor and Allison’s strike from the edge of the box was deflected just wide.
The depleted visitors almost grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
Lowe then netted his first goal for Shields when his free-kick clipped the wall before dipping past Taylor.
Briggs celebrated his 200th appearance for the Mariners when he scored from the spot after Josh Calvert brought down Foley in the box.
Substitute Gillies poked home the fourth on 78 minutes.
Conor Tinnion netted a late consolation goal with a welltaken strike.
Workington acting manager Lee Andrews said: “I think the scoreline flattered South Shields – all four goals were avoidable and that is the disappointing thing for us.” STAR MAN: David Foley (South Shields) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★