Shildon AFC completed a four-game whitewash of West Auckland Town at the weekend after coming out on top by the odd goal in seven in the latest joust with their local rivals.
Having already won their home league game and knocked their neighbours out of both the Durham Challenge and League cups, the Railwaymen completed the clean sweep with a 3-4 league win on the road.
The seven-goal thriller see-sawed one way and the other with Ciaran Banks (13) giving Shildon an early lead before Liam Potter (40) and James Harrison (49) scored for the hosts either side of half time to take the initiative.
Shildon, with the league title still within touching distance, fought back and scored three in ten minutes through Aaron Cunningham (57), Nathan Greenwood (61) and David Vincent (67) to race into a 2-4 lead before West made it an anxious final 15 minutes when Adam Mitchell (76) netted.
But the Railwaymen prevailed and then went on in midweek to reduce the gap at the top to three points with victory in Carlisle, keeping the pressure on league leaders Redcar, who themselves recorded a 0-2 win at Penrith on Saturday to remain favourites for the top spot.
Shildon’s midweek trip across the Pennines proved fruitful as the visitors scored the only goal of the first half through Leighton Harris (27) before an own goal from Ashley Adams (50) doubled the lead.
And with the home side offering no resistance, Aaron Cunningham completed the scoring with five minutes remaining for a comfortable 0-3 win.
For all of Shildon’s endeavour after a poor start to the season, Redcar know that, given their vastly superior goal difference, nine points from their final four games will make certain of the title.
Shildon, however, will be eager to pounce on any slip ups.
Meanwhile, the Railwaymen have been drawn at home to Boro Rangers in the semi-final of the League Cup with the tie to be played next Tuesday evening, 1 April, kicking off at 7.30pm.
Prior to that they travel to Guisborough on league duty this Saturday and will then play all three of their remaining league games at home.
Redcar, meanwhile will play three of their final four away from home, including this weekend at Seaham Red Star.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
