Derby day victory was a ‘scrap’, Shields boss insists
NORTH Shields boss Marc Nash admitted that his side had to “scrap and battle” their way to a 3-0 win and three points against his former club Whitley Bay.
The North Tyneside derby wasn’t a pretty affair, as wind and hail battered Hillheads throughout the 90 minutes.
But it was the Robins that eventually came out on top thanks to a goal from Sean Mcroberts and a brace from substitute Gary Day.
Nash praised his side for their attitude and resilience as they completed the league double over their local rivals.
“When you come into a derby, sometimes form doesn’t matter,” he said. “When you add in how the conditions have been here and the way it could have went, we would have taken a 1-0 win.
“I think the three goals make it look emphatic and it wasn’t really.
“We deserved the win, but we had to scrap and battle for it didn’t we?
“You look at the games getting called off and you wondered how it would be here.
“The pitch held up well and it’s great to come away from a tough place with three points.”
The win moves Nash’s side up to fourth in the Northern League Division One table ahead of next Saturday’s trip to West Auckland Town.
It also rounded off an impressive week for the Robins, with their derby win coming seven days after a comprehensive 4-1 home win against fellow top-five challengers Hebburn Town.
Nash challenged his side to continue their improved form over a hectic Christmas period as they look to establish themselves amongst the Northern League elite.
He said “We had a great win against Hebburn last week and that just meant it was very important that we got another win against Whitley Bay.
“It sends us into a busy schedule over Christmas in good form and we face another tough game against West Auckland Town next week.
“We have had a hell of a run of games and we have played all of the top teams, that obviously continues with that game at West.
“We have done well and we have got a good haul of points over the last month, but we have to keep things going because it can quickly turn against you.”
MARK CARRUTHERS