Two goals from Nelson Ogbewe and another from Adam Forster saw North Shields come out 3-1 winners against Kendal Town.
James Sloan made his long awaited first league start for North Shields, as the Robins choose to go with Ben Sampson in an unfamiliar right back position.
Kendal Town were off the back of four matches without a win, and although they were one of the better sides last season, something has changed, and they find themselves at the other end of the table.
Story Of The Match:
For the first 25 minutes, Kendal were the better of the two sides.
The long ball from captain Bailey Kenny was effective, and its accuracy proved a problem for the Shields defence.
An early injury forced Kendal number nine Joseph Wilkinson to exit the pitch in the 7th minute, subbed off for Joshua Green.
It looked like Wilkinson tweaked a hamstring, and we at North Shields FC hope it is not serious and wish him a speedy recovery.
Three minutes later, Jamie Looker found himself through on goal, but Callum Elliot did really well to close out the angle and make a brilliant save.
Elliot, once again was a wall in front of goal. Just like many times this season, he has pulled off goal-stopping saves to keep the score level.
After a few half-chances between the two teams, Shields would get their first chance in the 25th minute, when the ball fell to Ben Sampson on the edge of the box.
He smashed the ball on the volley, but the ball dipped too late and sailed over the bar.
The Robins would get another chance just a minute later, when Sampson’s corner was met by Euan Anderson. His header deflected off of the post and out for a goal kick.
Kendal Town would have their best chance for a while in the 29th minute.
A KDB-esque ball in behind was met by the substitute Green, but he could not get enough on the header and turned the ball wide at the near post.
Green then got the first yellow card of the match two minutes later, for a late robust challenge on Adam Forster.
North Shields were controlling the game now, and in the 32nd minute, they would get their reward.
A shot at goal was saved by Kendal keeper Matthew Bailey, but it was spilled in the six yard box, and tapped home by Nelson Ogbewe for his first of the match, and eighth of the season.
Nelson has been outstanding for North Shields this season, and his performances have put him fourth in the league for goals scored.
It would take the Robins just three minutes to double their lead.
A corner was swung in by Ben Sampson, and although many rose to head the ball, it was Shields’ captain Adam Forster who got the touch, and the ball was turned in for 2-0.
The first half would not end without another late chance, when a volley from Kendal right back Tom Russell nearly killed the Robins’ mood going into half time.
However, some heroics from Callum Elliot transpired, and he pulled off a save of the season contender to deny a strike that would have been up for goal of the season.
North Shields came out the better of the two sides after the break, and when Nelson Ogbewe ran through on goal, it looked like Shields had a good chance at adding a third.
But, Ogbewe was hacked down by Russell after entering the final third, and somehow, the Kendal number two escaped with just a yellow card.
Kendal Calling?
Kendal went up the other endfrom the clearance, and scored at the other end, blowing the game wide open.
DJ Taylor’s strike crept through the Shields defence, and under Callum Elliot, making it 2-1, and game on.
Two minutes later, the number seven nearly had his second in identical fashion.
This time, Elliot got down well to his near post to claim the ball and take the sting out of the game.
Shields got their third in the 68th minute, and killed the game thanks to a good finish down low from Ogbewe.
That made it nine goals for the season from the pacy left winger, and another win for North Shields.
What This Means?
Today makes it six wins on the bounce for Brian Smith’s side, and seven unbeaten.
Nelson Ogbewe is on fire for the Robins this season, and the number 11 is putting all of his doubters to rest.
This is exactly the kind of momentum Shields could have asked for, and it is the perfect way to build confidence before the brutal Christmas period.
It is also much needed confidence to take away to Easington Colliery next weekend, as they are flying this season. It will be one of the toughest tests that the Robins will face this season.
As for Kendal, it is quite the opposite.
It looks bleak for the Cumbrian side. They fall into the relegation zone, after their bottom-of-the-table rivals Newcastle Benfield scored a point at home to Marske United.
Although Kendal did play well for a couple of spells in the match, they lacked the cutting edge to capitalise on the control.
It will be an even longer trip back for those players, but at least they will have the time to reflect on their performance and work out what needs to be done differently going forward.
