Shildon AFC tightened their grip on second spot in the Northern League Division One table with a convincing 6-1 home thrashing of play-off hopefuls, Carlisle City on Saturday.
Three goals in the opening twenty minutes, from Leighton Harris (8), Billy Greulich-Smith (11) and another Joe Posthill penalty, put the home side on easy street.
Greulich-Smith, currenly on a prolific scoring run, notched his brace before half-time while Alex White (82) and Brad Hird (83) added further gloss after Robert McCartney’s 65th minute consolation for the visitors.
With league leaders, Bishop AFC prevailing by 2-1 in the Auckland derby, the win pulled the top two further clear of third placed West and leaves Shildon as favourites for a home draw in the playoffs – as it stands, against Saturday’s opponents.
This midweek’s game at Northallerton was postponed and the Railwaymen will now prepare for Saturday’s trip to Whitley Bay – themselves just outside the play-offs.
They will then return to Dean Street where they will host West Allotment Celtic on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the club has also announced the on-loan signing of goalkeeper Joshua Mazfari from Hartlepool United FC.
A former England Schoolboy, Mazfari turned professional with Huddersfield Town and has also gained senior experience with Thornaby, Liversedge and Tadcaster Albion.
Shildon AFC Manager, Chris Hughes, said: “We are delighted to bring in Josh. He will join us for the rest of the season and compete for a place in the team.
“Josh has experience of senior football and is someone we have been aware of since last season when we were reviewing our options for a goalkeeper. We look forward to him joining us”.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
