Match report: South Shields International Academy 3 – 2 Macclesfield FC International Academy
In a five-goal thriller, South Shields narrowly win the battle of the International Academies.
The breakthrough for the Mariners came through Daniel Rovira in the 25th minute. Cai Pritchard quickly doubled their advantage in the 29th minute.
Shields finished the half strong. Striker Osman Padilla grabbed his first Shields goal in the 42nd minute as they looked to cruise to victory.
Late goals from Carlos Santos and Tyler Beck in the 80th and 94th minute for Macclesfield added some late drama to the game, but Shields were able to hold on to three points.
Three wins on the bounce puts South Shields within touching distance of the top. League leaders Chesterfield are six points clear, having played two games more.
The game started slowly, with both teams feeling each other out early on.
Macclesfield grew into the game quicker, pressuring shields high up the pitch, which led to some early chances.
However, this pressure left space in behind which Pritchard exploited. A great run put him 1v1 with the keeper. Unselfishly, he squared the ball to Rovira who tapped in to give shields the lead.
He then scored a goal of his own. The striker capitalised on a misplaced pass, picking up the ball just outside the box. He struck the ball hard and low, giving Luke Trentacost no chance.
Late in the first half, the Mariners scored their third. Rovira’s volley, from outside of the box, was spectacularly denied by the post. Luckily, Padilla was first on the scene. His strikers’ instincts rewarded with a goal.
Macclesfield regrouped during the break and came out a different side. The Silkmen continued to work hard, and they were rewarded in the later stages of the game.
The Macclesfield left back took advantage of a lack of pressure and delivered a cross to the head of Santos. The striker headed the ball into the ground and past Mighten in goal.
Deep into added time, a well worked short corner saw Macclesfield put another good ball into the box. Tyler Beck jumped highest at the back post, somehow looping the ball over Mighten into the back of the net.
A few seconds after kick-off the referee blew the final whistle. The Silkmen just fell short of a remarkable comeback.
