South Shore returned to the top of the league with a hard fought victory against a very resolute and determined Fleetwood side. Spirit of Youth’s surprise defeat to Foxhall ensured South Shore will be top of the League at Christmas.

Playing on a sticky pitch, and into a swirling wind, South Shore started brightly, and looked to get the ball out wide to the two speedy wingers, Ryan Darvill and Stevie Higgins. For the first 10 minutes the game was played exclusively in the Fleetwood half, but the Fleetwood defenders stood firm, and gradually Fleetwood played themselves into the match. The game turned into a real battle in midfield, with the tackles flying in on both sides.

South Shore always looked the more dangerous, and eventually they got the breakthrough. The first goal was a superb team effort. Josh Boyne controlled a difficult bouncing ball, turned and played in Higgins down the right. Higgins fired in a great first time cross which Jack Williams controlled, spun away from the defender to create the space, and then struck home past the keeper for his 30th goal of the season.

Fleetwood were not about to give up, and they pressed forward, and created a few decent chances, but Lee Squires in the South Shore goal was equal to everything fired at him. His superb handling, and domination of his penalty area, provided genuine confidence throughout the defence.

The second half was very similar to the first, South Shore edged the possession, Josh Kay and Joe Brown in central midfield forced the ball forward, despite the close attentions of their opponents, but were unable to increase the lead, although Boyne was very unlucky to see a clever lob drift agonisingly wide.

Fleetwood hung on and tried to counter attack on the break, but the South Shore defence were quick to the ball, and strong in the tackle. Tom Porter excelled, backed up by the consistently dependable Mark Drinnan and Sam Appleton, and Kieran Hindle (who deserves a special mention for his superb efforts given he had been ill all week, and was doubtful right up to kick off).

Finally though South Shore secured the 3 points, the tireless Boyne scored the second with a smart shot from the edge of the area. There was still time for a cameo from Danny Weller pushed into emergency service up front, and the keeper-turned-striker was unlucky not to force his way through in the final moments.

South Shore had to work really hard for this victory, and showed their determination throughout the team. Reduced to just 12 fit players available for the match, including two keepers, the players responded superbly, and matched Fleetwood for effort, and in the end two moments of class from Boyne and Williams were the difference between the teams.