SOUTH SHIELDS 4 NORTH FERRIBY UNITED 0 Revenge sweet for mighty Mariners
Action from the Ebac Northern League clash between North Shields and West Auckland Town. MATCH REPORT: See pages 62&63 THEY wanted revenge and that was exactly what they got.
David Foley was the inspiration as South Shields avenged their league defeat at North Ferriby United by sending the Villagers out of the FA Trophy with a devastating display at Mariners Park.
There were early chances for Mariners new-boy Nathan Lowe and defender Dillon Morse as the hosts looked to seize the initiative from the first minute of the game.
It was Morse who broke the deadlock on 14 minutes as the centre-back rose highest to meet a whipped corner from Josh Gillies to head past Villagers keeper Lewis Exall.
The visitors were offering an almost token resistance and the Mariners poured forward as they swarmed all over the Humberside outfit.
Blair Adams hit the crossbar, Craig Baxter had a shot saved and Gillies fired wide in quick succession.
There was no let-up in the pressure and the lead could and should have been doubled just before half-time.
Only an outstanding save from Exall denied the lively Foley from point-blank range.
His time would come and it would not take long to arrive. North Shields v West Auckland in the Northern League
There were just seven minutes gone in the second half when the former Spennymoor Town forward produced a stunning overhead kick to extend his side’s lead.
Foley doubled his tally for the day on 66 minutes as he flicked the ball beyond Exall after a neat pass from the impressive Robert Briggs. It was almost as if the Villagers were helpless as the Mariners continued to dominate possession and more goals always looked likely.
A fourth goal duly arrived on 75 minutes and it came as no surprise it was that man Foley once again.
Briggs was involved again as his powerful drive was palmed by Exall but the ball only landed to Foley and he made no mistake with a simple closerange finish.
A motivated Mariners side looked for more goals and Foley could have added his fourth of the day when he combined with substitute Ben Harmison before firing over from the penalty spot.
Briggs had the final chance of the game with three minutes left on the clock but he could only power a shot over the bar from the right-hand side.
It had been a fantastic show from the Mariners and they will deservedly take their place in tomorrow’s second qualifying round draw