Shildon AFC saw the gap at the top close to just one point after they were held to a draw at home by Guisborough Town while nearest rivals, Bishop Auckland demolished Tow Law by 12-0 at Heritage Park.
Shildon, who struggled to gain a foothold in the early exchanges against their mid-table opponents, took the lead, somewhat against the run of play, in the 32nd minute through Luke Spalding.
The goal itself was merited, however. After receiving the ball on the corner of the box, Spalding took on and beat two players before firing high into the roof of the net.
While the visitors, who had three points deducted by the Northern League the previous week, may have felt aggrieved at going in a goal down, they continued to battle and won a penalty in the 57th minute after a defensive mix-up led to Kurt Howes being brought down by Mark Foden.
The keeper almost redeemed the situation by saving Sonni Coleman’s penalty, but the ball rebounded to the centre forward who nodded into the open goal.
Shildon pressed for a winner in the final ten minutes but the visitors remained steadfast and were worthy of their earned point.
Meanwhile, down the road, nearest rivals Bishop Auckland were scoring at an average of a goal every seven-and-a-half minutes against lowly Tow Law, to close the gap at the top of the table.
This weekend, Shildon take on early league leaders, Boro Rangers, who have since slipped to sixth place in the table, 13 points behind the Railwaymen, while Bishops travel to Stockport in the FA Vase.
Shildon’s own cup match, against Norton and Stockton Ancients in the Second Round of the Durham Challenge Cup will take place at 7.30pm next Tuesday evening, 14 November at Dean Street.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
