Old Shildon fightback earns valuable win
Jackson Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League
OLD SHILDON clawed their way back from a 2-1 deficit to eventually overcome the Penny Gill.
Spennymoor side Penny were leading 2-1 at half-time. Phillip Appleby netted Old Shildon’s first-half goal, while strikes by Michael Davison, Anthony Moss and Martin Hedley – together with Appleby’s second of the game – completed a spirited fightback.
“Delighted with the lads,” said Shildon’s Dave Hedley. “We were struggling in the first half but then made a couple of subs in the second half and that seemed to do the trick.
“It was a good result for us and we had been struggling earlier in the season I think we’ve turned things around now, even if the title is probably beyond us.”
Meanwhile, a minute silence was observed for former Hunwick player Mark Little before their match with Masons Arms.
The 32-year-old, originally from Hunwick, tragically died in a parachuting accident recently while serving Force’s Paras regiment in the US.
And the former Spennymoor League’s life was remembered with respect by both sides before this Division One game.
For the full report, see the latest Game of the Week.
In-form Lakeside maintained their impressive recent form and their second-placed spot with a 2-1 at Browney, James Miller and Wayne Marram getting the goals. Peter Boucher scored Browney’s goal.
Thorns won 3-1 at Binchester Social Club with goals by Anthony Stewart, Michael Oliver and Ian Woodall. Scott Smith scored for Binchester.
Christian Schofield was on target again for Tudhoe United as they drew 1-1 with Hogans. Scott Wright scored Hogans’ goal.
Voltigeur won 3-2 at Eldon Arms with goals by Chris Hodgson, Chris Pennal and Gary Dixon. Andrew Sams and David Leary scored for Eldon.
In Division Two last week, the chasing pack was given a major boost when leaders Victoria dropped points.
A Michael Carrick goal was enough for Green Tree to over-power the title favourites.
It allowed Croxdale to gain some ground in second place when they won 4-2 at home to Half Moon with goals by Brent Mailer (2) and Phil Wilkinson (2). Paul Bailes scored both goals for Half Moon.
Third-placed Quinns, meanwhile, also closed the gap with a comfortable, 3-0 win at George and Dragon, despite Steven Jackson missing a penalty. Dave Carr, Steve Quinn and Jordan Bulmer did manage to find the net, however.
Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Southerne Club won their third game of the season with a 2-0 win over neighbours the North Briton.
After soaking up the Brit’s pressure for the first 30 minutes, Glenn Robinson scored against the run of play to give Southerne the lead.
Then a Luke Smith strike wrapped it up for the Division Two strugglers.
“Really pleased with the performance,” said manager Brian Redpath. “We started playing quite well a few weeks ago but then dipped again. But we’re actually starting to play like a team now so it’s pleasing. We’re getting there!”
Meanwhile, two goals by Steven Bowen wasn’t enough to ear his Ash Tree side a win at Belvedere, as goals by Andrew Short and Andrew Trotter ensured a 2-2 draw.
New Brancepeth won 2-0 at Masons United thanks to goals by Gary Hindmarsh and Michael Gibbons, while Shildon Athletic won 4-0 at Horndale Celtic with goals by Adam Potter (2) and Dean Halpin (2).
• The next league meeting will take place at the Bay Horse in Middridge on Wednesday 4th January 2006, from 8pm. | 
