Title back on as Shields cross Bridge

BAMBER BRIDGE SOUTH SHIELDS 0 2

WHAT a difference a week makes for South Shields.

Last weekend, in the aftermath of their home defeat to title rivals Warrington Town, the talk was of a play-off place.

A 2-0 win at Bamber Bridge yesterday - coupled with a surprise defeat for Farsley Celtic against Witton Albion and Warrington sharing the points with Nantwich Town - means the title push is very much back on the agenda for the Mariners.

Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side raced out of the blocks in the earlystages and were clearly eager to put a tough week behind them.

They made a perfect start to the game as David Foley fired his side into the lead after just 11 minutes.

The forward made the most of unselfish play from Lee Mason to tap into an empty net from close in.

Things got even better for the Mariners on 17 minutes when Robert Briggs doubled their lead with a fine effort from 40 yards.

The midfielder took advantage of a slip from Bridge goalkeeper Lloyd Rigby to fire the ball beyond him from distance.

Mason and Foley went close to adding a third ahead of half-time but the visitors settled for their two-goal advantage at the interval.

South Shields had to quell an early spell of pressure from their hosts after the restart but resumed control on the hour mark.

The pressure continued with both Briggs and Luke Daly bringing fine saves out of keeper Rigby in the closing-stages. Bamber Bridge: Rigby, Spooner, Dodd, Lawlor, Mccarten, Churchman (Thomas), Waddecar, Forbes, Dudley, Harries, Marlow Subs: Doughty, Mcknight, Buchan, Linney South Shields: Connell, Baxter, Adams, Shaw, Morse, Turnbull, Lowe (Mouanda), Briggs, Mason (Bell), Daly, Foley (Cogdon) Subs: Lough, Harmison.