Shildon vs Whickham

Recap

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

Spalding and Banks Shine as Shildon Sweep Aside Strugglers

Shildon underlined their title credentials with a ruthless 5–0 dismantling of bottom‑placed Whickham at Dean Street, a performance that showcased both their attacking fluency and defensive discipline.

The league leaders seized control from the opening whistle and broke through after 14 minutes. Adam Lennox reacted quickest inside a crowded six‑yard box, smashing home from close range to set the tone. Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage with a slick move that released Luke Spalding down the right; he drove into the area and drilled a low finish past the keeper from a tight angle.

Shildon’s dominance only grew, and on 33 minutes they were rewarded again. Leighton Harris was felled in the box, leaving Ciaran Banks to step up and calmly convert from the spot to make it 3–0 before the break.

The second half followed the same pattern. Another penalty arrived on the hour mark after a handball, and Banks showed no hesitation, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his second of the afternoon and Shildon’s fourth.

The scoring was rounded off in the 77th minute when Spalding cut in from wide, shaped his body, and guided a precise strike into the far corner to complete his brace.

A commanding win, a clean sheet, and a healthy boost to the goal difference.

Attendance: 308