Shildon AFC stretched their winning run to seven in a row with a comprehensive 0-4 win in the Durham Challenge Cup quarter finals at the home of local rivals, West Auckland Town.
The Railwaymen were quickly out of the blocks, taking the lead through Leighton Harris in the fourth minute of the game. The home side failed to deal with a Shildon goal kick and a precise through ball set Adam Lennox through on goal. His dinked effort was deflected away by the keeper, who also hurt the forward with his sprawling follow-through, but Harris was on hand to pick up the stray ball and steer it past two defenders on the line. The visitors were unable to capitalise further on their explosive start to the game and the score remained the same for the rest of the first half.
Shildon remained on top for the second half and their attacking play was further rewarded on the hour when the fully recovered Lennox doubled the visitors’ advantage. The Railwaymen worked the ball well from a throw-in before a lay off to Lennox 20 yards from goal was struck with venom into the postage stamp, giving the keeper no chance.
Within three minutes, the game was all but won when Nathan Greenwood weaved his way down the left wing, beating three defenders before feeding Billy Greulich-Smith a simple two yard tap-in. Five minutes later the veteran striker would be replaced by Ben Reay for his 100th Shildon appearance and the forward would cap his personal milestone with Shildon’s fourth goal just before the final whistle.
Shildon go into the hat for the semi-final draw alongside Whickham, FC Hartlepool and the winners of Easington Colliery v Hebburn, due to be played as the Crier goes to press. Meanwhile, the big games keep coming as the Railwaymen prepare for the visit of fourthplace Newcastle Blue Star to Dean Street on Saturday, who are currenty two points behind their hosts while having a game in hand.
Second place Blyth Town, two points ahead of Shildon, travel to Whitley Bay, while leaders Redcar Athletic find themselves on FA Vase duty where they host North Shields. Shildon’s game will also see the club collect donations for Shildon Alive and are asking supporters to bring along any donations they are able to. See the poster, right for a list of stock items the local charity is currently running low on.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
