Shildon AFC ran out comfortable 3-0 winners away at Tadcaster on Saturday to consolidate their play-off hopes after all their nearest rivals dropped points.
Ben Trotter opened the scoring within five minutes and a spectactular own goal by Jordan Deacey on the stroke of half time ensured the Railwaymen had a second half cushion.
Shildon were able to resist the second half pressure from the hosts and put the game beyond any doubt in the 71st minute when Michael Sweet dispatched a third to keep up his fine scoring form.
As the players and fans celebrated with a pint in the shadow of the famous John Smith’s brewery, they would have been further cheered by the news that nearest rivals, Cleethopes and Stockton Town, who played each other, had both dropped points in a goalless draw.
Meanwhile, Worksop Town, lurking just outside the play-off positions, also fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hebburn Town.
By the afternoon’s end, Shildon moved into fourth position, two points ahead of Stockton and one point behind Cleethorpes.
The gap to Worksop in sixth, just outside the play-off places, increased to six points with just seven games remaining in the regular season.
Shildon now look forward to hosting league leaders, Marske United at Dean Street this weekend in a game which could have significant bearing on the play-offs as well as the title race.
Marske currently lead the race to the one automatic promotion place but have Liversedge hot on their heels, three points behind with one game in hand.
Shildon Reserves
Meanwhile, Shildon AFC Reserves also recorded a 3-0 win at the weekend, against Richmond Town, and closed to within a point of their opponents in the process.
The reserves are currently benefitting from the addition of Dean Thexton – serving a four-match first-team ban – who scored all three goals.
Next up for the reserves is a trip to Wolviston.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
