Dunston’s final pre-season outing ended in defeat as South Shields ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the 1st Cloud Arena. A goal from Darius Osei and a brace for Joao Gomes ensured the victory for the hosts.

The first strike on goal came after just four minutes after Phil Turnbull brought down Will McGowan 25 yards out for a free kick. The effort was a tame one and resulted in a comfortable save for Dan Staples.

Dunston responded well after being on the backfoot and almost took the lead on seven minutes. Liam Thear drove towards the Shield’s backline and played in Richard Coulson however, his powerful shot was palmed away by Myles Boney.

On 16 minutes, the deadlock was broken as South Shields took the lead. A long-range curling effort from Osei was struck into the top corner leaving Staples with no chance.

Blair Adams almost produced a moment of magic after 25 minutes as he came close to doubling his side’s lead. He danced his way around a challenge and fired a shot towards goal which was inches away from finding the top corner.

Goal scorer Osei had two quickfire efforts just before half-time as Shields continued to apply the pressure. The Shields’ forward dragged an effort just wide before striking the post a minute later.

The Mariners began the second half in similar fashion and were awarded a penalty just 3 minutes after the restart after Dylan Mottley-Henry was brought down the box. He was the man who stepped up to take the penalty but his effort from 12 yards was blazed over the crossbar.

On 57 minutes, Will McGowan was played through on goal but once again, the effort was off target and curled around the post.

It was becoming a very difficult afternoon for Dunston as Shields dominated the second half and they had the ball in the net on 69 minutes. Mottley-Henry’s low strike hit the inside of the post before Michael Woods tapped in the rebound only for the flag to go up.

Dan Staples produced a quality save with 76 minutes played. McGowan squared the ball to Jenkins, but Staples was there to produce a fine save from close range.

With the pressure building, second half substitute Joao Gomes doubled South Shields’ lead on 76 minutes. Some exceptional build-up play from the hosts resulted in Gomes tapping in at the back post from a yard out.

With just a few minutes to play, The Mariners added a third goal scored by Gomes once again. It was another close-range goal for Gomes as the ball was played across the box from the right and Gomes netted his second at the back post.

Dunston’s pre-season campaign end in defeat and now can turn their attention to the season opener on Saturday as we host Stocksbridge Park Steels at the UTS Stadium – KO 3pm.