On a heavy pitch, in front of a large crowd, Shildon AFC ground out a 1-1 draw against Spennymoor Town on Saturday 8th February. Shildon are still 2nd in the league, 3 points behind Celtic Nation, but have played two games less. However, both Spennymoor and West Auckland have the games in hand to overcome both Shildon and Celtic Nation. Chris Emms was in the starting line-up after his return from a long injury.
Both teams started cautiously, with the first chance falling to Shildon’s Mark Hudson, who fired wide. For Town, No 9 Liam Henderson’s effort went just over the bar.
On 22 minutes Shildon went 1 – 0 up when a cross from Billy Greulich-Smith was calmly fired into the middle of the net by captain Mark Hudson. Just before the break Town’s Joe Walton headed just wide. Shildon held a deserved lead at the interval. Half Time: Shildon AFC 1 Spennymoor Town 0.
On 47 minutes Ben Wood was through but keeper Peter Jeffries saved with his body. Before the hour, Shildon had a blatant penalty appeal turned down by the referee, when Joe Walton hauled down Darren Richardson.
The game changed dramatically on 72 minutes when Lee Scroggins, who had been playing really well, was sent off for a 2nd yellow.
Three minutes later, Town scored when a quickly-taken free kick was launched into the crowded box and star man Liam Henderson fired in from close range. With the rain sweeping down, the Railwaymen had their backs against the wall for the last 15 minutes but held on for a well-earned point. Things may have been different if the penalty had been awarded and Shildon had not had a man sent off.
Final Score: Shildon AFC 1 Spennymoor Town 1.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
