With 15 points in their last 6 league games, Tuesday night’s challenge was understood. West headed to North Shields for a 7:30pm kick-off at the Daren Persson Stadium. Shields had won seven straight games in all competitions, and won 6/10 home league games. West were looking to bounce back from the weekend’s defeat to Whickham.
West Reserves goalkeeper Piotr Banda started the game, with teammates McKenzie Birtley and Jay Bell as substitutes. Jermaine Metz also came back into the squad after injury. The home team had the first opportunity of the game. A free-kick in the 4th minute released Lewis Suddick, his cross was just behind Daniel Waldon in the middle. West had their own chance after the ball was given away in midfield by North Shields. West’s shot was stopped by Shields goalkeeper Kyle Hayes. Shields were then forced into an early change, Dean Holmes replacing Ben Harmison after 11 minutes. North Shields had further chances to take the lead. Suddick was involved again as his cross looked to find Jordan Lashley, but the danger was cleared. Then, Lashley had another effort blocked which fell to Daniel Waldon. His shot hit the outside edge of the post, West held on, and the score remained 0-0. North Shields took the lead just before the half hour mark. Will McCamley found Lashley, who finished after a good move for the home side. With half-time approaching, Jermaine Metz came on to replace the injured Josh Robertson. Three minutes into stoppage time, West got the equaliser. Kyle Davis with a great strike from a difficult angle to draw West level.
Within 10 minutes of the second half, there were a further two goals. Shields retook the lead through Will McCamley. A long ball over the top was squared to McCamley who finished into an empty net. To West’s credit, the response was immediate. West pressed straight from the kick-off, which resulted in a second goal for Kyle Davis, the score 2-2 after 55 minutes played. McCamley had another effort from outside the area, his shot hit over the bar. The home team took the lead once again just after the hour mark. A ball sent into the West box found Daniel Waldon, whose effort was deflected in to make it 3-2. Shields looked to kill the game off, as West battled to draw level. McCamley had a close effort after trying to lob Banda, his shot going over the bar. Then came a huge moment of the game, a penalty to West in the 90th minute. Captain Liam Hegarty stepped up and looked to take a valuable point back to West Auckland. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be as his shot was hit over the bar. Another tough defeat after doing well to stay in the game, but an improved performance which will give confidence.
Coach Stuart Niven gave his thoughts on what was an improved West performance.
“Disappointed not to come away with a point against a good North Shields side. A much better all round performance than we’ve had the previous few games, and it was good to have Jermaine Metz available after missing most of the season. We have players coming back over the next few weeks and with some new additions we should be ready for a strong second half of the season.”
Full-Time: North Shields 3-2 West Auckland Town
Competition: Northern League Division One
Attendance: 192
Match Report by Phil Dodds
