Grassroots – Shildon AFC

Shildon suffered their first league defeat of the season as they were beaten by FA Vase finalists Hebburn 2-0 at the Energy Advice Sports Ground.

Graeme Armstrong gave the home side the lead in the 32nd minute before Olly Martin sealed the win in the 90th minute.

The visitors had the first chance of the game 21 minutes in, when Billy Greulich-Smith was sent through on goal, however he could only place his effort wide.

Hebburn took the lead through Armstrong, as Thomas Potter’s dinked cross found the forward on the edge of the six yard box, before he sent his downward header beyond Shaun Newbrook.

Damien Mullen almost doubled Hebburn’s advantage just before half-time, however his strike from the edge of the box was well handled by Newbrook.

Shildon increased the pressure in the second half and went close to equalising, as Jordan Lavery’s long range effort from 25 yards struck the outside of the post.

Shildon kept pushing forward looking for the equaliser, however everything they sent forward came back as Hebburn’s resilience showed.

Hebburn sealed the win in the last minute, as a counter-attack sent Cedwyn Scott through, before he squared the ball to Martin who slotted home.

Shildon travel to Newton Aycliffe on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways, whilst Hebburn welcome Pontefract Collieries in the FA Cup.

Shildon started off their season with a 5-0 win as they defeated West Auckland Town in the Northern League at Dean Street.

First half goals from Billy Greulich-Smith, Aidan Heywood and Chay Liddle gave the home side a commanding half time lead.

Ben Trotter and Zak Atkinson completed the scoring to round off an impressive display in their first league game.

Shildon were beaten in the FA Cup by Stockton on Wednesday, whilst West Auckland defeated Heaton Stannington.

The home side took the lead in the 4th minute when Jordan Lavery’s cross was met by Greulich-Smith, who’s deft header found its way past West Auckland keeper Thomas Flynn.

Shildon nearly scored again soon after as Dean Thexton played through Heywood, however the defender could only fire his effort over the bar.

The hosts doubled their lead 21 minutes in when Greulich-Smith knocked down Joe Posthill’s cross, before Heywood slotted home into the bottom corner.

The Railwaymen scored their third in the 34th minute, when Liddle picked up Michael Sweets deflected effort on the edge of the box, before he smashed home beyond Flynn.

West Auckland almost pulled a goal back in the 67th minute, when Lewis Dodds’ long range effort sailed just wide of the post.

Shildon added a fourth in the 82nd minute, when Heywood found Trotter in the box before his low strike nestled into the bottom corner.

Atkinson completed the scoring in added time, as he drove into the box before curling his low effort into the bottom corner.

Shildon face Hebburn Town away on Tuesday night, whilst West Auckland travel to Guisborough Town on Wednesday.