Shildon Lose Again

Shildon AFC’s bad run of results continued on Friday evening 25th October when they were beaten 2 – 3 by Ashington.

The Railwaymen are now 2nd in the league, 3 points behind Spennymoor, who have two games in hand. In their last 4 games, all at home, Shildon have only managed 2 points.

Fourth placed Ashington took an early lead on 10 minutes when Andrew Johnson’s 30 yard free kick beat Shildon keeper Keith Finch. The visitors had a couple more clear chances before Shildon started to get their act together and for the next 20 minutes gave Ashington the run around, but despite all their possession, they never troubled the keeper. Craig Ruddy went the closest when he beat 2 men but he fired wide.

Half Time:  Shildon AFC  0  Ashington  1

Early in the 2nd half Ashington added to their score when they hit Shildon on the break. A right wing cross from Sam Norris was fired in front close range by No 3 Kyle Oliver.

Shildon responded immediately with a 30 yard screamer from Lee Scroggins .

On 74 minutes Shildon were once again hit on the break. A cross from the right was pounced on by star man Andrew Johnson for his 2nd goal of the night and 1 – 3 to the visitors.

Shildon kept attacking and finally pulled a goal back near the end when captain Mark Hudson scored from the edge of the box.

Shildon pressed for the equaliser but it was too late and Ashington held on.

Final Score:  Shildon AFC  2 Ashington  3

Goalscorers:  Shildon, Scroggins 52, Hudson 87

Subs: Brackstone for Kerr 66, Hodgson for Doninger 83

Man-of-the-Match: Craig Ruddy.  It shows how strong Spennymoor’s squad must be when Craig Ruddy couldn’t get a regular game for them, yet he has played two games for Shildon and been man-of-the-match  both times.

Ashington’s game plan worked perfectly tonight, defend in numbers and hit Shildon on the break. Shildon had most of the possession but once again lacked the killer instinct and they need to be far more clinical.