Shildon AFC’s playoff position was all but secured on a weekend in which the side didn’t kick a ball.
With Worksop Town going down to a 1-0 defeat at Ossett United, Shildon’s points total can only be matched by their two rivals competing for the final playoff spot – Brighouse and Worksop – and then only if the Railwaymen were to lose all remaining games.
Goal difference
But even in that unlikely scenario, Shildon’s superior goal difference is effectively insurmountable. They are 15 goals better off than Brighouse and 21 goals to the good over Worksop.
However, a point on Saturday at home against third place Cleethorpes will be enough to mathematically guarantee a precious playoff place in their first ever season at Step 4.
In the reverse fixture back in August, on the second weekend of the season, Shildon secured a dramatic come-from-behind win. Trailing to a Jack McMenemy goal at half time, an equaliser early in the second half from player-manager Daniel Moore was capped by a last-minute winner from Dominic Curl.
If league positions remain as they are until the end of the season, Shildon would face Marske United in the playoff semi-finals, where the season’s second place side face fifth and third plays fourth.
But all that could change on a dramatic weekend when five of the top six face off against each other. While Shildon host Cleethorpes, fourth-place Stockton travel to Worksop, who will be looking to maintain their slim playoff hopes.
And the battle for the title could also be decided with Marske and Liversedge, level on points at the top of the table and separated only by goal difference, facing each other at Marske in what will surely be a ‘winner takes all’ encounter.
Reserves
Meanwhile, Shildon AFC Reserves continued their fine late season form in Wearside League Division One with victory at Dean Street last weekend.
In their final home game, and penultimate game of the season, they dished out a 7-0 thrashing of local rivals, West Auckland Tunns.
A hat-trick by Jack Cooper was complimented by goals from Stevie Dawson, Max Booth, Kory Whitfield and captain, Ellis Tait.
The home side dictated proceedings from the outset, determined to add to their seven-match unbeaten run as they look to finish the season with a flourish.
The result moves the side up to ninth in the table ahead of their final game of the season at 6.30pm on Wednesday 20 April at King James Academy, where they will face Durham Corinthians.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
