Northern League: Super Seaham Red Star make Shields for victory

Seaham Red Star gave promotion-chasing South Shields a big scare before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in last night's Ebac Northern League Division One clash.
Seaham Red Star keeper Shaun Newbrook just fails to keep out Robert Briggs free-kick winner for South Shields. Picture by Peter TalbotSeaham Red Star keeper Shaun Newbrook just fails to keep out Robert Briggs free-kick winner for South Shields. Picture by Peter Talbot
Seaham Red Star keeper Shaun Newbrook just fails to keep out Robert Briggs free-kick winner for South Shields. Picture by Peter Talbot

Shields came from behind to move within two points of table-toppers North Shields, but Seaham produced a spirited performance for bosses Chris McCabe and Paul Johnson in front of a big crowd at the Ferguson Motor Repairs Stadium.

The Mariners were caught in possession inside the first minute and former Sunderland forward Craig Lynch duly gave Red Star the lead.

South Shields' Carl Finnigan threatens the Seaham goal last night. Picture by Peter TalbotSouth Shields' Carl Finnigan threatens the Seaham goal last night. Picture by Peter Talbot
South Shields' Carl Finnigan threatens the Seaham goal last night. Picture by Peter Talbot
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Slowly but surely, the Mariners began to gain control and David Foley lashed a shot over from distance and Carl Finnigan should have done better with a free header from six yards, following a Julio Arca corner, but the score remained 1-0, going into the break.

In the second half, Shields started brightly and Adam Wrightson’s shot flashed just wide. Seaham replied and, from a corner, Bradley Staunch perhaps should have made it 2-0, but his header went wide.

On the hour mark, Shields equalised with an own goal, when Arca picked up the ball 30 yards out on the right and clipped a sublime ball into the box which went into the net via a touch from Finnigan and a luckless defender.

Red Star replied immediately when Robbie Bird hit the bar and then Luke Proctor had a goal ruled out for offside.

Seaham Red Star (red and white) battle against South Shields. Picture by Peter TalbotSeaham Red Star (red and white) battle against South Shields. Picture by Peter Talbot
Seaham Red Star (red and white) battle against South Shields. Picture by Peter Talbot
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Bird missed a good chance before Shields stormed ahead on 70 minutes when a terrific 25-yard free kick from Robert Briggs found the top corner of Shaun Newbrook’s net.

Red Star came back again and Lee Hetherington went on a great run, but his shot was blocked and then Bird had a great chance in injury time to level, but his effort went over the bar.