Watson: Mariners must ride the ups and downs

NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

- with MARK CARRUTHERS

South Shields celebrate Oli Bainbridge's late equaliser at Marine

(KEVIN WILSON)

SOUTH Shields manager Ian Watson insisted his side must remain composed and focused after they rescued a late point at Marine to move six points clear at the top of the National League North table.

After making a solid start on Merseyside, the Mariners grabbed the first goal of the game just after the midway point of the first half as on-loan Middlesbrough forward Sonny Finch found the net for the second consecutive game.

The Boro youngster collected a pass from Cedwyn Scott before creating some space for himself and sending an outstanding effort over Marine goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley and into the top corner of his net.

However, that lead was wiped out seven minutes after the restart when Marine’s Adam Anson crashed home a powerful effort from close range to hand his side the perfect start to the second half.