Shildon vs Birtley Town

Recap

EIGHT GOAL THRILLER AS BIRTLEY DRAW 4-4 AT TITLE CHALLENGERS SHILDON

The Hoops became the first team to take points away from Dean Street in the league this season and denied the hosts the chance to go top of the league in a breathless game.

Birtley started well with Scott Heslop denied by a good save from keeper Samuel Taylor when well positioned after only four minutes played. That would be rapidly punished by the hosts as Hoops keeper Max Campbell brought down Shildon’s winger before being sent the wrong way by Ciaran Banks as the Railwaymen took the led in the 7th minute.

Just like in midweek however, Birtley responded quickly to an early setback and also synonymously with Tuesday night, it was an Alexander ’Ban’ Walker header that equalised for the Hoops almost in the identical minute as well (12th instead of 11th on Tuesday). Sam Hedley sent a ball in following a drop ball and ’Ban’ rose highest to head home the equaliser.

Adam Lennox spurned a good chance when placed well on the edge of the box for Shildon before a frustrating recurring theme of the afternoon would start for Birtley. Nick Marley was the first of the forward line to have to depart through injury after only 20 minutes gone – although it was good to see a return for Reece Harrison.

Myers-Smith then caused some issues for Birtley swinging balls in which was first headed just over by Ardelean, before a crucial intervention from ’Ban’ Walker prevented a good opportunity for the hosts with some fine defending.

The chaos then resumed with the ball in the back of the net three times in three minutes. First, Birtley took the lead for the first time of the afternoon. Matty Ward sent a cross in after brilliant play down the right, and after his initial effort was blocked, Reece Harrison nestled the rebound into the bottom corner – an instant impact only ten minutes into his return to give Birtley a 1-2 lead on the thirty minute mark.

Shildon thought they had an immediate reply one minute later when they had the ball in the back of the net only for the linesman’s flag to rule it out. But only another minute later they did find an equaliser through Ardelean placed a finish past Campbell to equalise in the 32nd.

Shildon then continued to threaten through crosses into the box as Lennox headed wide from a Harris cross. And only moments later, a shot from a Spalding cross hit the inside of the left post, went across goal and just too far for the striker who could only prod into the side netting when all 320 in attendance thought he had scored.

Then a moment of controversy and another front line injury. Scott Heslop was cleaned out by Leighton Harris while defending in his own box and, unsurprisingly, could not continue after a lengthy stoppage and he was replaced by Kaleb Young. All in Birtley colours were pleading for a card at the very least but we didn’t even get the free kick as the referee pointed for a Shildon corner. The corner was cleared and not long after the half time whistle blew.

HALF TIME: SHILDON AFC 2-2 BIRTLEY TOWN

During the break a third member of Birtley’s starting front line was forced off with Liam Thear unable to return to the field – Lewis Exley replacing him.

The action restarted and finally a cross into the box paid off for Shildon with Sam Hedley the unfortunate one as he inadvertently placed into his own net in the 50th minute to put Shildon 3-2 up. (Shildon credited Ardelean with the goal).

Birtley fought back with free kicks in promising positions sandwiching a sharp stop from Max Campbell at his near post but the set pieces ultimately came to nothing. Campbell then produced a brilliant save to keep a stinging strike from Spalding out.

Then minutes later, following yet another save from Birtley’s number one, Walker agonisingly sliced the ball out for a corner when the rebound had looked under control.

Charlie Armin replaced Reece Havelock-Brown in the 70th minute for Birtley and shortly after the visitors went close as a Kyle Wharton header narrowly went wide. In the 74th minute however, Birtley did find the equaliser. Proctor brilliantly won back possession before being brought down by Myers-Smith. Two of Birtley’s subs then combined as Lewis Exley smashed home Reece Harrison’s free kick at the back post to make it 3-3.

Eight minutes later Birtley were on the way to back to back victories over the top two as James Proctor put the Hoops ahead with a cool finish past Taylor to make it 3-4. Once again though, there was an almost instant response from Shildon as Ardelean capitalised on a bad deflection to complete his double and equalise once again. Both sides showed intent towards the end but 4-4 was how it finished.

FULL TIME: SHILDON AFC 4-4 BIRTLEY TOWN

A quite brilliant game where both sides will feel like they could have won it but also can’t be overly upset with a point. It means that Shildon missed the opportunity to go top of the league following Guisborough’s postponement today. Both sides lose their winning runs but retain their unbeaten streaks which both stretch back to early November.

It means Birtley have taken four points from the top two this week and turn their attention to two more away days this week; Crook Town on Wednesday and Northallerton on Saturday.

If you are interested in the supporter coach for our trip at the weekend please get in contact with either Paul, Tuna, or on socials. As always thanks for all the support.

H2H vs SHILDON AFC
P5 W1 D0 L4 GF6 GA17

UP NEXT…

Attention turns to two more away days this week: Crook Town on Wednesday and Northallerton on Saturday. If you are interested in the supporter coach for our trip at the weekend please get in contact with either Paul, Tuna, or via socials. 

HIGHLIGHTS…