Recap: South Shields 0-2 Harriers

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HARRIERS secured promotion back to the National League with an epic 2-0 victory over South Shields in the National League North Promotion Final at the 1st Cloud Arena.

Goals in the space of two first-half minutes from Kieren Donnelly and Charlie Cooper stunned the hosts before a disciplined and determined defensive display after the break saw Adam Murray’s side complete the job in front of a huge travelling support in the North East.

It completed a remarkable return against an outstanding South Shields side who finished second in the table and pushed AFC Fylde all the way in the title race, with Harriers now winning on both visits this season as part of a hat-trick of victories.

The opening stages saw the hosts threaten first as Sean McGurk drove narrowly wide of Christian Dibble’s far post on nine minutes.

Two minutes later Sonny Finch also went close with an effort that drifted fractionally off target before Emeka Obi produced an excellent close-range block moments later to deny Paul Blackett.

Harriers gradually settled into the contest and created their first opening on 19 minutes when George Walker delivered from wide, with Ryley Reynolds unable to fully connect with an overhead kick that drifted wide.

South Shields continued to press and Richard Faakye was alert to block Jack Roles’ effort behind after the ball had been pulled across the area on 31 minutes.

But four minutes later Harriers struck with the decisive opener. Walker produced an outstanding hanging cross towards the far post where Donnelly rose brilliantly to power home a header and send the travelling supporters behind the goal into celebration.

Before the hosts could recover, the Red struck again. Relentless pressure inside the area prevented Shields from clearing their lines, David Davis winning the ball and Donnelly laying it off – Cooper then struck firmly, his shot deflecting beyond the goalkeeper for 2-0.

Harriers almost added a third before the interval too when Davis won possession on the edge of the area and sent his own shot only narrowly wide.

South Shields emerged after the break looking for a route back into the game and Finch blazed over from a promising position three minutes into the second half.

Dibble was then called into action on 53 minutes, producing a smart save after a free kick flicked off a Harriers head and threatened to creep into the bottom corner.

At the other end Cooper fired over from distance after Shields could only partially clear a free kick, before Oliver Bainbridge headed over from a corner on 61 minutes.

Harriers continued to defend superbly and looked dangerous on the break, with Donnelly almost capitalising on hesitation in the home defence only for his effort to pull wide on 70 minutes.

Blackett headed over late on as Shields searched for a response, but Harriers remained in control and almost rounded the afternoon off in style during stoppage time when substitute Reece Hall surged forward on an excellent run before seeing his effort parried away by Tom Watson.

Moments later, the final whistle confirmed promotion and sparked scenes of celebration between players, staff and supporters after a tremendous campaign ended with Harriers returning to the National League.

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