Match Report
On the table this was a mismatch: South Shields (2nd, 78 pts) held a 35-point advantage over Witton Albion (21st, 43 pts). Witton Albion's recent output outran their position: 2nd on form over five rounds, 21st in the table. Scoring rates set the scale: South Shields 1.69 scored and 0.95 conceded per game, Witton Albion 1.17 and 1.88, with the league averaging 1.31.
South Shields came in having won three on the spin. 5 games without a win framed Witton Albion's arrival. From the last five rounds, South Shields held 12 points of 15 and Witton Albion 1.
The venue was Mariners Park, with room for 2,500 spectators. On the scoreboard, South Shields led 2-1 at the break; 1 second-half goal set the final 3-1.
Goal scorers
South Shields: C. Main (11'), S. Hodgson (36'), S. Hodgson (67') · Witton Albion: J. Dowling (15')
Key stats
Possession: South Shields 58% · Witton Albion 42% · Total shots: 9-11 · On target: 5-6 · Corners: 4-5