HEANEY THE SHIELDS GET
SOUTH Shields edged a step closer to the NPL Premier Division title after a hard fought victory over Hyde United.
Mackenzie Heaney scored the only goal of the game for the league leaders, giving them a victory over the third placed Tigers who remain in a tight race for the play-offs.
“After a defeat on Tuesday night it was a great reaction and a perfect away performance, at a very tough place to come,” said delighted Mariners boss Kevin Phillips.
“I wouldn’t say we totally deserved the win but we took our chance well and that’s what you need to do away from home.”
Hyde gaffer Nick Spooner agreed with his opposite number, adding. “There wasn’t a lot in the game at all, South Shields took their chance well, and we didn’t, and that was the only difference.”
The visitors took just 11 minutes to carve out their first opportunity. Dylan Mottley-Henry’s cross was met by a spectacular overheard kick by Heaney, but the striker didn’t catch it cleanly and the ball bounced tamely into the hands of Hyde keeper Dan Atherton off the head of Michael Woods.
Hyde’s best first half chance was on 27 minutes. New loanee Tom Iorpenda, signed from Huddersfield Town, combined well with experienced winger Jack Redshaw and the former
unleashed a curling effort which was destined for the far corner but Myles Boney dived well to his left to parry the shot away.
Hyde came out after the break on the front foot and looked the more likely to take the lead after Manasse Mampala and Matt Fearnley both had shots go over the bar.
However, against the run of play at the start of the second half, the visitors got the all-important goal after Jordy Mongoy got down the left and found Woods in the box. His shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Heaney, and his first time shot found the top corner.
Clear chances were at a minimum for the remainder of the game. Hyde threw everything at it, having the majority of possession and had a few shots blocked for corners, but the Shields defence stood firm to seal the victory.