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

West Allotment Celtic FC 1–5 Shildon AFC: Ruthless Shildon Hit Five to Go Top

Shildon AFC stormed to the summit of the league—at least temporarily—with a commanding 5–1 away win over West Allotment Celtic, extending their unbeaten start to the season in emphatic fashion.

The visitors signalled their intent from the off, with Andrei Ardelaen finding the net inside the opening minute, only to be denied by an offside flag. Despite the early pressure, it was the hosts who struck first, capitalising on a misplaced pass across the box from Gary Brown. Their striker pounced and fired past Matty Wheeler to give Celtic the lead.

Shildon responded swiftly. A defensive mix-up saw a chasing home defender inadvertently slot the ball past his own goalkeeper to level the scores. Just before the interval, Shildon seized control as Ciaran Banks delivered a pinpoint free-kick to the far post, where Gary Brown made amends by heading home to make it 2–1.

The second half was a showcase of attacking flair and discipline from the visitors. Luke Spalding, who earned man of the match honours, netted twice with clinical finishes to put the game beyond reach. The final flourish came in spectacular fashion— Ciaran Banks spotting the keeper off his line and audaciously chipping him from the halfway mark to seal a five-star performance.

With this result, Shildon sit atop the table ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures and turn their attention to Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Birtley, brimming with confidence and momentum.

Attendance: 104