Shildon AFC closed the gap at the top of Northern League Division One to just three points with a comfortable 4-0 home win over Seaham Red Star while leaders Bishop Auckland dropped points away to West Allotment Celtic when the hosts equalised with an added time spot kick.

As well as closing the points gap, Shildon’s recent prolific scoring form has seen them not only catch, but surpass the league leaders’ goal difference, to put the title race firmly back on track. 

Tribute

Saturday’s game at Dean Street had added poignancy with the team of 2004 in attendance to pay tribute to Lee Hainsworth on the 20th anniversary of the former player’s passing. 

Lee was tragically killed on his way to training after his car was hit by another vehicle as he was parked in a layby near Stockton while talking on his mobile to his girlfriend, Lesley Howe.

Lee, who has a stand named after him at the ground, joined Shildon in October 1998, making 174 league starts and 26 substitute appearances before his untimely death.

Lee was also a member of the famous Shildon side that played Notts County in the FA Cup and on learning of the tragedy, County sent their first team squad to play a pre-season friendly in his honour that July.

His former colleagues joined both sides on the pitch for a minute’s applause prior to the game, while the current first team ensured his memory was celebrated with a convincing win on the park. 

Steam ahead

Andrei Ardelean opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but it took until the second half for the Railwaymen to steam ahead. A Joe Posthill penalty (49) was added to by goals from Luke Spalding (65) and David Vincent (70). 

Red Star’s misery was complete when Thomas Lawson received a straight red card in the 82nd minute for a foul on Posthill. 

This weekend, Shildon travel to Grounsell Park to take on Heaton Stannington while their title rivals, who do still have a game in hand, play host to North Shields.