Shildon AFC fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of local rivals West Auckland Town after being reduced to ten men within the opening 12 minutes of their Preliminary Round tie.
Tom Price’s decision to haul down Josh Scott received the ultimate punishment of a red card, a penalty award, and the opening goal of the game when Liam Hegarty converted from the spot, sending Mark Foden the wrong way. It was always an uphill task from that moment and while the Railwaymen held their own for the remainder of the half, the hosts struck just before the break to double their lead, Lee Hume driving home a powerful low strike from Scott’s back-heeled pass.
With nothing to lose, Shildon brought on their prolific striker, Andrei Ardelaen, but while the visitors were allowed plenty of the ball, they were unable to provide their forward line with any real opportunities. And as the ten men tired, it was the home side who took further advantage, removing any slim hope of a comeback when Jordan Blinco found the bottom corner with ten minutes to play. There was still time for Hegarty to miss another spot kick, with Foden pulling off the save before Blinco left the Shildon stopper with no chance from long range a minute later.
The Railwaymen must now regroup for the FA Vase First Qualifying Round this weekend when Knaresborough Town of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division visit Dean Street for a 3pm kick off.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
