Shildon AFC relinquished their grip of top spot in the Northern League after being held 1-1 at home by mid-table Redcar Athletic at the weekend.
It was the visitors who took the lead in the 12th minute when the Shildon defence was far too easily carved open from a throw-in with Joe Thompson on hand to slot home the opener.
Having been unable to capitalise on a Redcar sin-bin either side of the half-time break, the hosts almost found themselves further behind but were relieved to see the linesman’s flag raised after Redcar found the net two minutes into the second half.
Shildon themselves then hit the woodwork before finally levelling on the hour when Andrei Ardelean was given all the time he needed to control in the box before steering in the equaliser.
While the result still leaves Shildon unbeaten in the league, the second drawn league match in three games has allowed their nearest opponents to overtake them.
The slip will be doubly felt given those opponents are their nearest and fiercest rivals, Bishop Auckland, who become the new leaders of the division after they came from behind to win 1-2 at Whitley Bay.
Shildon travel to Crook Town this weekend, who they will also welcome to Dean Street in the quarter-finals of the Durham Challenge Cup after the latest draw was made.
The weekend’s visit to the Sir Tom Cowie Millfield will bring the opportunity to regain the lead as Bishops travel to Blyth Town on FA Vase duty.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
