SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST SHILDON 2-2 MORPETH TOWN
After a much improved performance the previous week in the F.A Cup Shildon returned to league action against Morpeth Town. Shildon continued with Adam Emson as a lone striker with Tyson Masters playing more as a right winger. Shildon started the game with an all round much better shape and with Dion Raitt playing on the left flank, had the ability to stretch the opposition instead of constantly playing through the middle. Daniel Moore had a good effort blocked in the 4th minute, but again it was Adam Emson’s pace that looked the more likely to produce a goal. In the 8th minute he left the Morpeth defence standing but pulled his shot well wide. Morpeth had their first chance in the 12th minute but Andrew Spence easily saved. With the introduction of wide players Shildon were able cause Morpeth all sorts of problems, full back Andy Howarth had much needed cover down the right side and in the 18th minute played a great one-two with Niven and found himself in the box, his superb left foot drive flew just inches over the bar. Captain Daniel Moore again proved why he is a fan’s favourite when he rode three tackles and fired a good effort from outside the box but Poskett made a good save to his right. During the early stages of the match the Referee seemed adamant to stop play and play the game to the exact letter of the law which was not only spoiling the game as a spectacle but annoying both sides. It was a poor decision in the 37th minute that give Morpeth a golden opportunity to take the lead, Andrew Spence came off his line to punch the ball clear, but in the eyes of the Referee fouled the Morpeth player and awarded a penalty. Justice was done when Spence dived to his left to save what in truth was a poor spot kick. The breakthrough finally came just before half time, a long throw from Dion Raitt found Niven in the box whose shot was blocked, the ball rebounded to Tyson Masters who finished well from close range to notch his first league goal for The Railwaymen.
HALF TIME SHILDON 1-0- MORPETH TOWN
Things almost got off to a good start when Emson went through on goal but couldn’t beat the keeper. Morpeth did seem to come out the stronger in the next few exchanges and went close in the 47th and 49th minute but it was the home side that struck next . Adam Emson kept his cool after a mix up in the Morpeth box and fired home to give Shildon what should have been all three points. Not for the first time this season Shildon started making basic mistakes and were punished in the 70th minute after confusion in the area led to Kevin Henerson being left with a simple tap in. Morpeth continued to press and adopted a more direct approach, a long ball over the top caused panic , Spence rushed off his line while defender Chris Mason left the ball for Spence who fell just short, it was Stepthen Young who made the most of the error and nipped in to level the scores. In fairness it was Morpeth who could have gone away with all three points as the home side began to look uncomfortable , luckily Morpeth were unable to make the most of their chances and it was Shildon who had the final chance of the game. After a strong run Emson found himsely wide out on the left but his cross failed to meet a Shildon player. Despite a good first half performance it was a poor result for Shildon who are finding it hard to continue from last seasons crusades, a quick turnaround is needed if Shildon don`t want to be playing catch up for the rest of the season.
FULL TIME SHILDON 2-2 MORPETH TOWN
S.A.FC STATS GOALS: MASTERS 43, EMSON 65
BOOKING; MOORE21, HALL 39, HOWARTH 37, RAITT 70, EVERITT 84.
SUBS; COOPER/MASTERS 64
LOUDEN/NIVEN 87