Report

Consett played their last friendly before the season begins in earnest, and were narrowly beaten 2-1 by a very good South Shields side at a sunny Belle View.

The Mariners just failed in their efforts to make the National League North play-offs last season, missing out by one point, and they showed why they will be contenders again with a slick opening period when they ran their hosts ragged.

They took the lead in the 11th minute to a goal by young striker Dan Savage, a product of their academy, who was left with only keeper James Anderson to beat, and did so with aplomb.

Six minutes later it was 2-0 to the Mariners as another academy graduate, Portuguese striker Joao Gomes, finished from inside the box.

Consett were restricted to a couple of half-chances, and Shields almost made it three six minutes before the break when Mee fired in a 25-yard free-kick which brought a flying save from Anderson.

Half-time: Consett 0 South Shields 2

Within six minutes of the restart Adam Lennox had reduced the arrears from the penalty spot, after James McGeorge – playing against his old club – was fouled in the box.

Just before the hour Consett made six substitutions, and one of them, big striker Stephen Hall, almost levelled but fired his shot just wide, moments after Aidan Rutledge had hit the post at the other end.

Isaac Walker had another great chance to equalise after a quick breakaway, but was denied by the Shields keeper’s face, and Calvin Smith fired just wide from a near-post corner, pictured top.

When the final whistle went Consett had suffered a fourth defeat in eight pre-season games, but it was no disgrace to lose to a Shields side who will again be challenging for promotion this season.