Steven Gerrard Academy 0-1 South Shields International Academy

Lee Picton and Adam Shaw took charge of the team as we travelled to Merseyside to face Steven Gerrard Academy in the NFYL League Cup's Round of 16.
The Shields XI remained nearly unchanged following last week’s 3-1 win against Mansfield Town U23s in the league. The only change was a straight swap, as Andrew Garofalo replaced Brycen Miller.
London Mielnik, who entered the matchday squad after recovering from a long-term injury, was featured on the bench for the first time.
Shields set the tone early with a cracking long ball over the top. Joao Costa beat his man to the ball and caught Steven Gerrard Academy’s goalkeeper off guard and off his line, audaciously lobbing him to put South Shields into the lead just seven minutes in!
Steven Gerrard Academy won a free-kick in a dangerous area close to South Shields’ 18-yard line, but their attempt lacked any real threat, flashing past the wall and straight into the palms of Andrew Garofalo.
Throughout the first half, South Shields showed exceptional defensive work to keep SGA at bay.

Richie Buz continued to cause problems for the Steven Gerrard Academy defence with his pinpoint long balls, forcing SGA’s keeper to vacate his box in an attempt to prevent Anthony Medina from going clean through. Unfortunately, Medina was beaten to the ball, which was cleared away.
Half-time saw two changes for South Shields, with Andrew Garofalo and Richie Buz making way for Gima Suh and London Mielnik, the latter making his debut for South Shields International Academy.
At the 60-minute mark, Shields continued to protect their one-goal lead, making another two changes as Derek Veenstra and Christian Barillas took over from Nathan Ore and Anthony Medina.
Steven Gerrard Academy began piling the pressure onto South Shields in the late stages of the game, but some top-quality goalkeeping kept the Mariners ahead at this crucial point.
Even as the game drew to a close, Shields’ desire for another goal did not waver. Their well-structured attack forced a brilliant double save from Steven Gerrard Academy’s goalkeeper!
The match ended 1-0 to South Shields, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the NFYL League Cup.
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