Shildon AFC’s hopes of a hat-trick of Durham Challenge Cup wins fell at the first hurdle in midweek as Bishop Auckland FC extracted full revenge for their early season league loss with a thumping 4-0 win at Heritage Park.
All the goals came in the final half hour of the game as the visitors finally caved in to their hosts’ relentless pressure.
The deadlock was eventually broken on 58 minutes by former Shildonian, Amar Purewall, heading in to an empty net after a bout of pinball in the Shildon area.
Shildon looked to force their way back into the game and in the 70th minute, Jack Blackford’s effort was deflected behind for a corner.
But just two minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead through Lee Hume, whose weak shot through a crowded box wrong-footed Jennison in the Shildon goal to trundle over the line.
With time running out, Shildon needed to find the next goal, but it was the visitors who put the tie beyond doubt when Collins Unuareokpa provided a simple finish with five minutes remaining.
A minute later it was four as another former player, Craig Moody sealed an emphatic win for the Two Blues.
Meantime, the previous Saturday, Shildon failed to capitalise in the league when both their title rivals dropped points, paying the penalty of a late equaliser from the spot.
While Easington went down to a 2-4 home loss to North Shields, and Bishop Auckland were unable to defeat Blyth Town at home, a late penalty concession at Redcar, converted by Craig Gott, cancelled out Ben Urwin’s 16th minute opener.
Shildon move a point closer to second place, but Bishops maintain their six-point advantage at the top, albeit both of the top two have played a game more than the Railwaymen.
Shildon’s focus now turns to the national FA Vase competition as they welcome Sheffield-based Handsworth FC of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division on Saturday before a midweek trip to Kendal, barring any cup replay.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
