Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge shines in South Shields promotion bid | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge is thriving at South Shields, starring in the 4-1 win over Merthyr Town that assistant manager Carl Magnay viewed as his best game. The left-back also headed his fifth goal of the season.

After 17 minutes he took a pass from Sean McGurk and drove in a low cross for Paul Blackett to convert. Eight minutes later Bainbridge released McGurk first time, the midfielder’s centre again finished by Blackett. Sonny Finch struck the third before the interval, then Bainbridge nodded in to crown his performance.

A switch to wing-backs, with Bainbridge and Dan Dodds wide, gave him licence to surge forward while remaining secure defensively. Magnay lauded his engine and said both wing-backs were outstanding.

Bainbridge joined in September and extended his loan in January for the title push. He also impressed against Curzon Ashton, creating the third in a 3-0 home win with a cross for Dodds. Manager Ian Watson regards him as important to their approach, noting his athleticism lets them build attacking moments around him.

With his Sunderland contract up this summer, there could be strong interest if the Premier League club choose to let him leave.

Source: Sunderland Echo