From the South Shields Forum:
Very probably a record defeat, and most certainly a scoreline to raise incredulous eyebrows, more like a cricket score. What one can say is that harsh reality is a lesson to be learned from, when there is no immediate consolation so acute and with painful embarrassment on such a scale. The season to date with the resources currently available on the field and with the clubs financial situation in mind has been reasonably pleasing, with only two narrow defeats by the odd goal to speak of. Money as ever is the catalyst, and without it you cannot spend it, though having said that, tonights result was an absolute nightmare, unexpected and out of character and something the players will have to live with, certainly it will do the profile of the club no credit and will live long in memory. To try and find believable reasons just how such a scoreline can be possible is to examine both teams and where they are. Shildon from the start were yards faster, wanted the ball, and literally destroyed a feeble Shields defence for speed and technique. The railwaymen headed over the bar on eight minutes, a portent of things to come as they moved menacingly forward with purpose and design. Shields fell behind to a soft goal on 18, when the ball was lost, with weak and indecisive defending,the player beaten easily and the ball lobbed accurately over the goalkeeper to open the scoring, schoolboy stuff. On 30 the floodgates were opened with three goals in as many minutes, with defending so dismal as to be non existent,and goals really gift wrapped and given away and the goalkeeper left helpless and the game gone,an awful mess to witness. Wightman on 34 and again on 40 shot wide on both occasions when put through. Just before half time the procession continued with a 4th, and another example of lack lustre half hearted effort in defence. It was noticed that Shildon on the few occasions their goal was threatened lofted clearance balls high and well wide of the danger area, whilst Shields allowed themselves to be caught and repeatedly paid the penalty. Chapim again lost the ball in a dangerous position, and a snap shot claimed goal no. 5, a free kick claimed goal no. 6 and immediately a 7th was put away for half time. Shields supporters were silent and shell shocked and home fans were jubilant. It was remarked by a Shildon supporter that their team is not allowed to play Sunday football, and it really showed tonight, whereas Shields looked nothing like the team that played so well against Bishops in the second half on Saturday, Sunday football has a lot to answer for. The second half saw a quick 8th goal as the nightmare continued and it was all too easy. Smith shot over with a decent effort as Shields made an effort on 60 and for a while played some decent football, but on 65 former Mariner Rob Briggs fired in a fine shot for no. 9, that was followed two minutes later by a free header from a corner to 10, even though Shields had six players in the goal area ....Number 11 followed some time later to complete the demolition and a collapse so complete that really defies adequate explanation, outplayed by a better team, yes but in such a fashion for a defeat so huge is reason for soul searching by players and management alike. For the supporters, a bitter disappointment beyond doubt to see their team thrashed so mercilessly, it is for the team to now regroup, and try and prove a point in the next game for themselves individually and as a team and move on. It will be a hard season, and survival in the first division is the priority, no more no less, and to remember this night and try and put matters right here after as best they can.