Penrith vs Shildon

Recap

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

Shildon AFC delivered a clinical away performance on Saturday afternoon, securing a emphatic 6–0 victory over Penrith AFC at Frenchfield Park. On a ground that has historically proven troublesome for the Railwaymen, a ruthless attacking display ensured all three points were taken back to County Durham, providing a welcome boost to the club’s Ebac Northern League Division One goal difference.

The visitors established control almost immediately, taking the lead in the fourth minute. Joe Posthill swung an accurate cross into the penalty area, finding Alfie Steel, who rose to head the ball past the Penrith goalkeeper. Shildon continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half-hour without expanding their lead, but their persistence paid off in the 35th minute. Jack Blackford picked out Posthill at the far post, where the forward finished neatly to double the advantage. On the stroke of half-time, Ben Reay timed his run to perfection, beating the Penrith offside trap before slotting home to send Shildon into the interval three goals ahead.

Shildon picked up where they left off after the restart. Just five minutes into the second half, Steel reacted quickest inside the box to poke the ball into the net for his second goal of the match and Shildon’s fourth. Despite further missed chances as the half progressed, the visitors extended their lead through Benji Urwin, who followed up a sharp save from the home keeper to tap in his first goal for the club. The standout moment of the afternoon arrived in the closing stages, when Blackford jinked past two Penrith defenders on the edge of the area before curling an effort into the top corner to cap off a comprehensive 6–0 win.

It was a thoroughly professional display from start to finish, characterized by sharp movement and disciplined shape against an opposition that found no answer to Shildon’s forward line.

Attention now turns to the next fixture as Shildon look to build on this strong away form and maintain their momentum in the league.

Attendance: 173