SOUTH Shields ended a run of five straight defeats – but had to settle for a dour goalless stalemate.

Both sides put on a poor performance, Mariner’s top goalscorer Paul Blackett looking to threaten early on, but he couldn’t keep his shot underneath Chris Renshaw’s crossbar.

Southport very nearly grabbed an opener when Sonny Hilton, from the right, found Danny Lloyd inside the box, whose chance was blocked by Martin Smith.

Shields had the better of the possession in the first half, however Port had a few great opportunities on the break.Jack Doyle struck the woodwork 20 minutes in, the ball fell to him just outside the penalty box from a corner and the full-back rifled a volley that crashed off the crossbar.

Chances were few and far, however, just past the hour, Jenkins was through in the box after a Tom Allen flick, Keenan Quansah able to throw himself in front of the shot.

Mackenzie Heaney’s free-kick followed shortly after, the midfielder’s set-piece crept towards the top-right but Renshaw was able to tip it away for a corner.

In truth neither side did enough to break the deadlock and claim a much-needed maximum haul.

STAR MAN:David Carson (South Shields)

ENTERTAINMENT: 1/5