Match Report: Steven Gerrard Academy 2 – South Shields International Academy 2

A well-earned draw in Merseyside as South Shields International Academy held onto a point with 10 men.

The Mariners took an early lead as forward Daniel Rovira slotted home in the 17^th minute.

Steven Gerrard Academy found an equaliser. Dylan Welford’s strike in the 44^th minute was the last action of the half.

The home side carried on their momentum, taking the lead in the 55^th minute though an unfortunate own goal from Kyle Dixon.

South Shields captain, Mauricio Kossegarten, came to their rescue finding an equaliser in the 65^th minute.

An exciting first game for the International Academy. They have brought in players from around the world with the aim of furthering their development.

A well worked move saw South Shields take the lead. A flick on from target man Reilly Minigutti found Midfielder Vasco Baptista, who was able to put Rovira through on goal. One on one with the keeper, he sent him the wrong way, slotting the ball in the bottom left corner.

Gerrard Academy was knocking on the door for most of the half. Their persistence was rewarded when Welford capitalised on a failed clearance and was able to poke the ball through the legs of goalkeeper David Mighten.

Early in the second half, Manouchehr Tavakoli picked up the ball out wide and flashed a dangerous cross, along the floor, into the Shields box. Instinctively, Dixon stuck out a leg, which saw the ball head into his own net.

Searching for an equaliser, Shields picked up a free kick in a dangerous area. Joseph Abrahart’s cross didn’t beat the first man, fortunately the ball came back to him. His second attempt delivered a pinpoint ball to the head of captain Kossegarten, levelling the game with 25 minutes to go.

The match quickly turned sour as an altercation during the goal celebrations saw Minigutti receive a straight red card for pushing a Steven Gerrard player.

The home team pushed for a winner with the man advantage, but South Shields were able to hold out to gain a well-earned point on the road.