Shildon AFC moved up a place to third in the table after a narrow weekend win over fifth-place Newcastle Benfield at Dean Street.
In a tight game, it took until just four minutes from half time before Shildon’s first effort on target, from Leighton Harris, which was well saved by Thomas Shanley in the Benfield goal.
A minute later, David Vincent saw his effort sail over, maintaining the stalemate going into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern of few chances, with a well saved Nathan Greenwood effort after a good move the highlight of the third quarter of the game.
Five minutes later, a foul on Greenwood midway into the visitors’ half led to the crucial breakthough.
The resulting free kick, whipped into the six-yard area, was redirected towards goal by Elliot Day, only for the effort to produce another excellent reflex save from Shanley.
However, the keeper could only redirect the ball across his goal where Ben Errington won the race to fire the ball high past the despairing defenders into the roof of the net.
Eight minutes from time, Shanley was on hand once again to prevent Luke Spalding from making sure of all three points, but with the visitors unable to find a route to goal, the Railwayman and the bulk of the 264 attendance were able to celebrate the win.
With two games in hand, Shildon lie within two points of second-place Blyth Town, while league leaders Redcar, who have returned to winning form after a spell of dropped points, are twelve points distant, albeit having played three games more.
This weekend, Shildon visit Marske United, who have struggled since withdrawing from the Northern Premier League due to high costs.
They then host West Allotment Celtic at Dean Street in a rearranged fixture on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
