WEST AUKLAND TOWN V SHILDON

Northern League Division I 

With Darlo debarred from the National League North play-offs and Spennymoor assured of extending their season into those for the Northern Premier League, I decided to see out the Northern League season at the ground where I saw it in – Darlington Road, West Auckland. Back then West would not have anticipated a relegation battle, but they go into today’s match needing a result to ensure retaining their Division 1 status (though other results may also do the job).

The opponents are Shildon; their fourth place is solid, miles ahead of fifth but the top three also some distance off, so all at stake for them is local bragging rights. Their season, good by most standards, will be considered disappointing by last year’s champions, who also exited the Vase earlier than they should.

The players in the tunnel have a demob demeanour to them as the teams come out into the spring sunshine that up here gives more light than heat. Traditional colours are on show, West in yellow and black, Shildon in red, though at this stage they look a bit washed out with several Shildon numbers in disarray.

Shildon have the balance of the early play with a shot by Rae blocked by centre half Hassan and another by raiding left back Robson saved by keeper Elgie. Two corners result, and more follow, but are generally poorly delivered and pose no threat. It is fifteen minutes before West threaten; a shot from Ruddy is saved by Liversedge at the expense of a corner. When that comes in it is met by Hassan, whom no one picks up, and his bullet header is in the net before Liversedge can blink.

It may be against the run of play but it gives West something to defend, which they do ruggedly. Too ruggedly from time to time and Shildon get a couple of free kicks within range for the talented Wing to have a pot. His first is on target but is fumbled round the post by Elgie; the second hits the defensive wall and is deflected wide. To more corners but to no effect.

Half time comes with West still a goal up and for Shildon it’s the season’s same old story – possession but no penetration. It must be particularly frustrating for manager Daniel ‘Bobby’ Moore as my half time study of the programme informs that West keeper Dale Elgie is actually a midfield player; this explains his uncertain handling and ungainly clearance kicks.

Moore decides to take more direct control and brings himself on as a second half substitute. If nothing else it will enable him to harangue the referee from closer range. To be fair he makes a difference, taking every opportunity to push forward and it is he who starts to pepper the West Auckland goal with two shots rising over the bar. He then sets up Robson in the box but his shot goes narrowly wide.

West are now defending deeper and deeper. From a cleared Shildon corner Dodds fires a volley over the bar, then a cross from Robson (now effectively a left winger) is sliced perilously over the same crossbar by centre half Hassan. He deserves all the luck going as he is far and away the best West player on view.

There is less than ten minutes remaining when one of Elgie’s kicks is punted back up field by Shildon; Moore flicks it on with his head and Burnicle races through to poke the ball past the stranded Elgie for the equaliser. Such a simple goal after so much of their tippy-tappy play.

Tails up, Shildon continue the assault and soon Robson is again operating on the left; he cuts into the penalty area, evades one challenge, and is felled by a second. His reward is to take the penalty which he blasts low but fairly central. Stand-in keeper Elgie gets a paw to it but the pace is sufficient to take it spinning over the line.

Though now ahead Shildon carry on pressing. Wing tries another free kick, but again Elgie gets to it and shuffles it round the post. He then flaps, surprisingly effectively, at the corner to avert danger. He has been a bit of a stand-in hero and is unlucky to end on the losing side.

But the spoils go to Shildon, thanks mainly to the second half impetus provided by the manager on the pitch. However on the final whistle news comes in from around the grounds and results elsewhere mean West Auckland’s position is secured, ensuring Division 1 football at Darlington Road next season.