Chester-le-Street went down 1-0 at South Shields. Chester made a promising start and nearly took the lead after 4 minutes. Craig Price hit a free kick to the far post. Damian Maw headed down and the keeper managed to deflect the ball off his legs onto the bar. Surprisingly the officials only awarded a goal kick ! After 23 minutes, a good move saw Josh Home-Jackson play the ball into the area. Scott Emmerson chased the ball down but the keeper managed to win the race and clear the ball. Three minutes later, Craig Price hit another free kick into the area. Scott Emmerson brought the ball down well and turned to fire a shot which went the wrong side of the post. South Shields created a good chance after 32 minutes when David Graham curled a free kick to the far side. Josh Carmichael made a good block from a header by Richard Paxton and the ball fell to Craig Ellison but he fired his shot across the face of the goal. After 36 minutes, South Shields made a quick break following a Chester corner. Stephen Ramsey was sent clear but his shot went across the goal and wide of the far post. After 40 minutes the ball was played into the Chester area. Lee Paul Scroggins cleverly flicked the ball over the defender but he fired into the side netting. Very few chances were created by either side in the second half but Shields broke the deadlock after 74 minutes. Lee Paul Scroggins controlled a cross from Craig Ellison and turned to fire low into the corner of the net. Shields nearly doubled their lead after 83 minutes when Simon Fitzpatrick fired in a shot which Josh Carmichael saved at full stretch. A disappointing performance with chances at a premium.
Team: Jonathan Carmichael, Luke Gilhespy, Robert Palmer, Michael Allan (Joe Hughes, 56 mins), Ian Dixon, Damian Maw, Josh Home-Jackson, Craig Price, Scott Emmerson (David Tait, 71 mins), Nick Kane, Alex White (Danny Petts (56 mins) : Subs Not Used : Andy Armstrong, Dominic Harding.
Crowd: 170
Referee: Mr. J. Buglass, Walker
Assistants: Mr. D. Burn, Cramlington & Mr. D. Wylan, Choppington