Oli Bainbridge thriving on loan as South Shields chase promotion | OneFootball

Sunderland youngster Oli Bainbridge is thriving on loan with National League North leaders South Shields, his form fuelling a sustained promotion push.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Mariners had tracked the Black Cats wing-back for some time and waited as EFL loan options fell away last summer.

He joined in September and quickly helped them reach the FA Cup first round proper, where a home defeat to League Two Shrewsbury Town ended the run in front of the TNT Sports cameras.

That cup spell has added motivation in their bid to reach the National League. Bainbridge is now a regular, with Shields nine points clear and 17 games remaining. His loan was extended last month, keeping him at the 1st Cloud Arena for the rest of the season, and manager Watson is eager to keep working with him.

Just over a week ago he delivered a standout moment at Marine. The hosts appeared to have won it with a last-minute strike for 2-1, but Bainbridge levelled in the 97th minute, flicking the ball up in a crowded box before sending an overhead beyond the keeper to earn a point.

Watson said the strike was special and felt it underlined how far Bainbridge has come during his time with the Mariners.

Source: Sunderland Echo