TN Shield Vital Victory

 

Lee Scott's 16th minute goal proved to be decisive as TN fended off a strong second half performance from Shields to earn the three points.

 

"I'm very happy as against North Shields we've always got done by the odd goal in every game," said TN boss Paul Johnson.

 

"Today wasn't the prettiest game but we got the job done."

 

In blustery conditions at the Daren Persson Stadium, TN had the first chance of the game as Peter Watling raced on to a Dean Critchlow pass and saw his effort cannon down off the underside of the crossbar.

 

But just two minutes later the visitors got the goal that could prove crucial as the season's finishing post approaches.

 

A goalmouth scramble ensued from a TN corner and the ball eventually broke to Scott who turned the ball past home goalkeeper Michael Robinson.

 

The wind was a factor all game long as both sides found it difficult to effectively play the ball through the air.

 

TN were to hit the bar a second time before the break when Scott hit the woodwork. Mark Fenwick sliced the rebound agonisingly wide.

 

"We really should have been a few goals up at half time with the chances we had," Johnson said.

 

"To be honest we won it with the first half performance obviously by getting the goal.

 

"We were happy to bide our time and take our chances."

 

With the teams switching ends for the second half this presented Shields with the chance to take advantage of the conditions now in their favour.

 

They came very close to drawing level minutes before the hour as a corner was turned on to the foot of Andy Jennison's post.

 

The home side began to take the ascendency as TN struggled to clear the ball and invited more pressure from the Robins.

 

But the back four coped immensely with the wind with Tom Davies and Rob Story dealing with the Shields' front line superbly and Jack Palmer's tackling was as sharp as ever.

 

TN would have to endure a nervy final few moments as Jennison was sent off for handling outside the area, meaning skipper Gavin Donoghue would have to deputise between the sticks.

 

"Andy is understandably upset with the referee as the suspension he now has could have a knock-on effect for the cup competitions," said Johnson.

 

"It was clearly a decision that was made too quickly.

 

"The referee had a fairly poor game and booked Graeme Cairns far too quickly early on."

 

Stand-in stopper Donoghue caught a couple of crosses and kicked well as Shields launched a final late charge that saw their goalkeeper Robinson advance forward for corners.

 

But the 10 men men held out and Johnson refused to underestimate the value of these three points.

 

"It's a massive result as that's effectively a six-point game by taking three off them and winning the three ourselves," Johnson said.

 

"We were so strong defensively today and that highlights the kind of level we're at.

 

"When we lost Andy the lads defended for their lives and the last six minutes showed what it takes to win a league.

 

"Gavin (Donoghue) looked composed between the sticks when he went in," he added. "He reminded me of big Bob Boulder who played in goal for Sunderland in the 1980s!"