Birtley Town vs Shildon

Recap

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY _{(edited by Michael Wilson)}

Last-Gasp Glory as Shildon Edge Birtley Town in Dramatic Finish

Shildon left it late but ultimately claimed a well-earned three points on Tuesday night, snatching a 2–1 victory over Birtley Town thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Luke Spalding.

It was a night of near misses and mounting frustration for the Railwaymen, who rattled the woodwork five times and squandered a string of golden opportunities. Ben Reay, Andrei Ardelaen, and Billy Greulich-Smith all went close early on before Reay finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, racing clear and slotting coolly into the corner.

Birtley responded with a spirited spell before the interval but failed to seriously test Shildon keeper Kiaran Hunter.  Shildon had a strong penalty appeal waved away early in the second half, and Ardelaen blazed over when clean through as the chances continued to pile up.

The hosts found their equaliser on the hour mark, Liam Thear rising to nod past Hunter and set up a tense finale. Shildon threw everything forward in the dying stages, and just when it looked like their profligacy might prove costly, Spalding delivered the killer blow in the 92nd minute, rifling home to spark jubilant celebrations.

The win lifts Shildon to fifth in the table, with games in hand on all four sides above them. Next up: a trip to botom club Whickham on Saturday, where the Railwaymen will look to keep their momentum rolling.

Attendance: 162