Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge impressing in South Shields title bid | OneFootball

Sunderland loanee Oli Bainbridge underlined a fine season at South Shields with what assistant Carl Magnay judged his best display, scoring in a 4-1 win over Merthyr Town.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Academy of Light graduate joined the Mariners in September and extended his loan in January to aid Ian Watson's title chase.

Shields switched to wing-backs with Dan Dodds and Bainbridge providing width, giving the left-back licence to push on. The first two goals arrived down his flank with Bainbridge involved in both.

After 17 minutes he took Sean McGurk's pass and drove a low cross for Paul Blackett to finish. Eight minutes later Bainbridge slipped a first-time ball to McGurk, whose delivery was converted by Blackett. Sonny Finch added a third before the break, and before the interval Bainbridge also headed in from Finch's cross.

Magnay praised Bainbridge's engine to get up and down the pitch and felt he was outstanding defensively in the new role.

The display followed his impact in the 3-0 home win over Curzon Ashton, when he created Dan Dodds' third. Manager Ian Watson has said Bainbridge is really important to their approach, with his athleticism allowing them to structure attacks around him.

With his Sunderland contract up this summer, there will be plenty of suitors if the Premier League club decide to let him walk.

Source: Sunderland Echo