Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge shines in South Shields title push | OneFootball

Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge is thriving at South Shields, his influence growing during their title challenge after a standout performance in the 4-1 win over Merthyr Town.

According to Sunderland Echo, the left-back joined the Mariners in September and extended his loan in January to aid Ian Watson’s title bid. He claimed his fifth goal of the season last weekend, heading in Sonny Finch’s cross.

A switch to wing-backs paired him with Dan Dodds and freed him to attack down the left. After 17 minutes he took Sean McGurk’s pass and slid in a low cross for Paul Blackett, then eight minutes later he fed McGurk, whose delivery was finished by Blackett. Finch made it three before the interval, and Bainbridge later nodded in to crown his display.

Assistant manager Carl Magnay felt it was Bainbridge’s best outing in a Shields shirt, highlighting his running power, willingness to reach the box from deep and strong defensive work.

His impact has been consistent, including the previous home game against Curzon Ashton, where he crossed for Dodds to tap in during a 3-0 victory. Watson has described the full-back as really important to their approach, noting that his athleticism allows Shields to structure attacks around his forward runs.

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

Source: Sunderland Echo