Chesterfield’s Kian Gillen cancelled out Joao Costa’s brace, denying Shields maximum points in their first fixture of 2025.
There were four changes to the lineup from the team that secured a 3-1 away win at Scarborough back in early December. Cedre Kalenga, Anthony Medina, Liam Clarke, and Richie Buz were all brought into the starting XI.
Two of the four new additions to the lineup were debutants for South Shields International Academy. Canadian goalkeeper Cedre Kalenga, hailing from Milton, Ontario, started in goal for the first time since joining the programme. He was joined by fellow Canadian Liam Clarke, who started the game in midfield.
Chesterfield took the first meaningful opportunity of the match, going ahead in the 14th minute when Andrii Zhydkov capitalised on a stray ball at the edge of the Shields box.
Joao Costa, receiving the ball near the halfway line on the right, displayed exceptional skill, beating three pressing players. Driving down the right flank, he fired a shot from inside the box toward the far corner. Chesterfield’s Thomas Wallace made a brilliant save, tipping the ball around the post for a corner, though Shields failed to capitalise.
A defensive error by Chesterfield gave Joao Costa a clear run toward goal, but he couldn’t convert the opportunity. However, just two minutes later, Costa made amends, rifling a free kick from 20 yards out into the bottom left corner to equalise for South Shields.
Costa struck again seven minutes later, finishing a precise pass from debutant Liam Clarke on the edge of the six-yard box to secure his second goal of the day.
The first half ended with South Shields in control, buoyed by Joao Costa’s magic in the closing 10 minutes.
South Shields made a single change at halftime, with Jaron Adams replacing Cedre Kalenga.
In the 60th minute, Nathan Ore was forced off with a calf injury, prompting Calvin McGarthy to enter as his replacement.
Liam Clarke, the debutant, had a golden opportunity to seal the game after the Chesterfield goalkeeper gifted him the ball in the box. However, under pressure, he fired his shot wide.
Shields made another change in the 66th minute, with Joel Smith replacing Nathan Shoo.
Anthony Medina was brought down on the edge of the Chesterfield box in a position similar to where Costa scored his first goal. Costa attempted to recreate the magic but was denied by the crossbar.
The final substitution for South Shields came in the 78th minute when Jayden Roach replaced Anthony Medina.
Shields' hopes of claiming all three points were dashed in the 83rd minute when Chesterfield substitute Kian Gillen equalised.
Despite late efforts to reclaim the lead, Shields had to settle for a point at home.
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