Shildon AFC deservedly retained the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday night in front of a 1,523 crowd at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park with a 2-0 win over Stockton Town of the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Second half goals from man of the match Leighton Harris and club legend, Billy Greulich-Smith ensured the cup remained in the Shildon trophy cabinet for another season.
Both sides began the match brightly, with play flowing from end to end and it was Stockton who created the first chance of the game.
However, they found themselves up against a composed Keiron Hunter in the Shildon goal, who was in unbeatable form throughout the ninety minutes.
A second chance for the Anchors produced a fine double save from Hunter and although Shildon were reduced to few opportunities in front of goal in the first period, they more than held their own, enjoying the bulk of possession.
The pace of Luke Spalding and Ben Reay was a constant headache for the Stockton defence and would ultimately prove the decisive factor.
While honours may have been even in the first half, there was no doubting Shildon’s dominance of the second period.
On the front foot throughout, the Railwaymen spurned a number of chances to take the lead with Spalding and Andrei Ardelean both finding the keeper when the goal was at their mercy.
But a pinpoint through ball to Spalding on 70 minutes would lead to the all-important opener.
With Stockton scrambling to contain the rapid winger, the ball found its way into a packed box where Leighton Harris was able to get the final touch and fire home.
Shildon would have been forgiven for dropping into defensive mode in a bid to see the game out, but the players would have none of that.
The side maintained a high work rate throughout, breaking at speed, but also working hard to protect the route to their goal when needed.
Stockton had no answer and Shildon’s courage was further rewarded with four minutes remaining. In similar fashion to their first goal, this time the perennial Billy Greulich-Smith converting, albeit after a conversation between referee and linesman to clear up a potential offside.
The goal confirmed, there was no way back in the remaining four minutes for Stockton and the cup returned to Shildon for a second season in a row.
Meanwhile, wins for both Shildon and Guisborough at the weekend ensured that the Railwaymen will have to negotiate the playoffs if they are to be promoted back to the Northern Premier League East.
In the cruelest of circumstances, this weekend’s meeting of the top two sides will be a victory parade for the Priorymen after the demise of bottom club West Allotment Celtic ensured the leaders could not be caught.
Shildon will provide the champions with a guard of honour as they plot to join their weekend visitors at the next level come the end of the campaign.
And with the side still in the League Cup, there could yet be more silverware to come before the final whistle is blown on the season.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
