A draw for nine-man Shildon at Boro Rangers on Saturday, followed by the 1-5 thrashing of West Allotment Celtic on Monday evening kept up Shildon AFC’s unbeaten start to the season and put them temporarily on top of the table, reports Wilf Tray.
It was the home side who took the lead on Saturday after Matty Wheeler had tipped a free kick onto the crossbar, but Lyle Hardisty was first to the rebound to poke the ball into the net.
Shildon were reduced to ten men when Gary Brown received a second yellow card in the 43rd minute.
The depleted side battled to stay in the game and were reward two minutes from time when substitute Adam Lennox rescued a point.
The striker was then sent off moments later to reduce Shildon to nine, but they held on for the point.
Victory came a little more comfortably on Monday evening when West Allotment Celtic sparked Shildon into action by taking a 20th minute led through Thomas McIntyre
A 24th minute own goal levelled proceedings before Brown atoned for his weekend red by putting the Railwaymen in front.
Second half goals from Luke Spalding (67, 77) and Ciaran Banks (90+4) ensured the points.
Next up is a visit to Birtley Town on Saturday in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, followed on Tuesday evening by the season’s first local derby at West Auckland Town.
Wilf Tray
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
