MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Shildon Fall Short in Seven-Goal Showdown
Shildon AFC were edged out in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash at the KGV Stadium, falling 4–3 to Guisborough Town in a match packed with drama, controversy, and no shortage of attacking flair.
The Railwaymen roared out of the blocks, taking a 2–0 lead inside 13 minutes. Luke Spalding’s surging run and pinpoint cross found Joe Posthill at the far post for the opener, before Tom Price rifled a stunning strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Guisborough responded swiftly, with Toluwani Osiyemi nodding past Sam Taylor to halve the deficit. The game’s turning point came in the 37th minute when Shildon’s Sam Hodgson was controversially dismissed for violent conduct—though post-match footage cast doubt on the decision.
The hosts capitalised on the man advantage, winning a penalty in first-half stoppage time which Kurtis Howe coolly converted to level the scores at the break.
Despite being down to ten men, Shildon showed grit and regained the lead early in the second half. Andrei Ardelaen was felled in the box and Ciaran Banks made no mistake from the spot. But the Priorymen clawed their way back once more, Matty Willshaw curling home an equaliser before Howe bagged his brace to make it 4–3.
Shildon pressed for a late leveller and came agonisingly close, but their hopes were dashed when captain Jon Weirs was sent off for dissent in the dying moments. Guisborough were awarded a third penalty deep into stoppage time, but the goal was chalked off much to the confusement of the crowd, leaving the final score at 4–3.
It was a match that had everything—goals, cards, penalties, and controversy—and Shildon will feel hard done by not to have taken something from it. They now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s League Cup tie away at Alnwick Town.
Attendance: 466
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