League leaders, Marske United, claimed a narrow 2-1 victory at Dean Street last Saturday, scoring a late winner before being reduced to ten men.
The automatic promotion hopefuls took a second minute lead, but were pegged back seven minutes from time.
However, a second goal just three minutes later ensured the league leaders held on to top spot while Shildon once more slipped down a place to occupy the division’s final play-off spot.
The Railwaymen, looking to record an upset, got off to the worst possible start when they conceding the opener in the second minute.
The visitors won the ball back after a Shildon goal kick and smartly transferred play from their own final third, quickly advancing up and across the field before a cut back from the byline found Connor Smith.
His lobbed ball was only half cleared by Alex White into the path of Josef Wheatley who volleyed home from 18 yards.
Shildon held firm against a confident Marske side and were thankful to their number one, Shaun Newbrook for keeping them in contention.
And it looked like the keeper’s fine performance would be rewarded when Danny Craggs drew the sides level with just seven minutes remaining.
With Shildon pressing, a clearance to the sideline was picked up by Dom Curl and his whipped cross was fired home left footed by Craggs.
But the leaders were not to be denied and just three minutes later, substitute Kevin Burgess fired into the roof of the net after a goalmouth scramble.
Moments afterwards, Adam Wheatley was red carded for a meaty challenge on Aidan Heywood, but the Seasiders hung on to claim all three points.
The Railwaymen have once more swapped places with Stockton Town and are five points ahead of sixth place Worksop who were held to a goalless draw at home by Tadcaster Albion.
Shildon travel to eighth-placed Ossett United this Saturday, on what has become traditionally labelled as non-league day in the football calendar.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
