Shildon went into this game knowing it would be a tough fixture. Visitors, Barnard Castle, had only been beaten once in the league and had been beating all the other teams by double figures.
However, Shildon were on a three game unbeaten streak of their own, so spirits were high.
A minute’s applause took place before the game for popular Middlesbrough match commentator, Ali Brownlee and for Cramlington Juniors U15 player Taylor Atherton, who sadly passed away during the week.
The game started and Barnard Castle were on the attack straight away, but Shildon dug their heels in and defended the ball well.
But the pressure proved too much and Barnard Castle opened the scoring after five minutes.
The floodgates then opened as the powerful visitors took control, scoring five more in the next ten minutes.
At 0-6 down you would think that the Shildon players’ morale would be down, but it turned out to be quite the opposite as they carried on with a never give in attitude.
Fresh legs were brought on and the game settled down for five minutes until Barnard Castle broke through and scored again just before half time.
Shildon started the second half with the same belief as the first, but Barnard Castle broke through straight away and scored.
For the next five or ten minutes Shildon still showed what thick skin they are made of and defended well and tried to get the ball forward to a battling midfield.
In the end, the heavy favourites for the league title ran out 0-10 winners.
Although the defeat appeared demoralising, Shildon’s coaches were very impressed with the tremendous courage of their players and were equally impressed by the respectful Barnard Castle supporters who were very humble and supported both Shildon and their own team during the game in a display of great sportsmanship.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
