Shildon gain a firm grip on the play-offs after beating Newcastle Benfield
Shildon 1-0 Newcastle Benfield
Shildon were well worth their three points yesterday as they edged out victors over Benfield in a tightly fought contest at home in the Ebac Northern League Division One.
It took the home side over 72 minutes of football to break the deadlock through Ben Errington whose late goal claimed a massive three points for The Railwaymen.
Both teams were on form coming into this one. Shildon had scored 12 goals in their previous two matches, and The Lions had won three in a row with their last one an impressive 4-0 win over Whitley Bay.
The hosts made full use of the home advantage and started the stronger side. Benfield withstood the early pressure and that allowed them to ease into the game and have some chances of their own through Joe Ames. Benfield grew into the game as the half progressed and had a few promising spells on the ball.
After an even first 40, Shildon had two big chances to take the lead, one forced Thomas Shanley into a great stop to keep the score level.
The second half was the same story with The Railwaymen having more of the ball but not being able to get through the Benfield backline.
In the 72nd minute, Shildon had a free kick on the left-hand side which was whipped in the box with Elliot Day making contact with the cross forcing a brilliant reaction save from Shanley, but Errington reacted quickest from the parry to smash into the roof of the net to give the home side the opener.
Benfield pushed hard to find an equaliser, but Shildon saw the game out well to collect all three points.
The Lions are back at the MKM next Saturday where they face Seaham Red Star and Andy Ferguson will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways.
