Report

The Railwaymen Tame the Terriers
On a bitter, cold evening Shildon’s squad had several changes with John Hutton making a welcome return after many weeks on the sidelines and Warren Byrne in the starting line-up.
The match started at a furious pace with both teams striving for an early breakthrough Warren Byrne released Sam Garvie down the left, he skipped inside to unleash a stinging drive that Newman in the Terrier’s goal did well to keep out. Chris Graham and Tony Shandran quickly retaliated.
16 mins. Had gone when Warren Byrne set Lee Chapman away down the right, he crossed to Sam Garvie whose desperate lunge in the 6 yard box just failed to connect.
Shandran continued to show his pace but was firmly halted by John Hutton. At the other end Newton saved with his feet from Warren followed by a Booby Moore header which was kicked off the line.
After 22 mins. Sam Garvie stole the ball from Paul Talbot and crossed to Warren who hit the back of the net, only for his goal to be ruled offside.
Shandran was still causing problems, forcing Finchy to punch over. Shildon’s speedy and slick passing game was now in full flow. Bobby Moore headed over. Jon Agbatar passed to Chris Hughes who crossed for Byrne who headed over. Sam Garvie crashed an effort onto the underside of the bar. The effort was followed by loud appeals that the ball had crossed the line, but the play continued and the ball was quickly hacked away.
A weak back header from Phillipson was collected by Sammy only for him to be denied again by Newton. The Terriers defence could barely cope with Sam Garvie’s speed and the half closed with Sam setting up Bobby Moore, only to be foiled again.
The bar, the post and an offside decision helped to keep the game goalless at half time.
The 2nd half continued at the same relentless pace resulting in Lee Chapman being brought down on the corner of the penalty area. Taking the kick himself, he fired a glorious shot, bending and dipping, high into the back of the Bedlington net for Shildon to at last take a deserved lead in the 59th minute.
Steven Walklate earned himself a booking for kicking the ball away, and afterwards he was quickly substituted.
The Terriers lived up to their name and came fighting back with a free kick from Peter Snowden sailing high over the bar and Finchy saving at the feet of Chris Graham.
After 70 mins. Martin Houlahan, who had replaced Steven Walklate, played a one-two with Warren Byrne giving Newton no chance with a fierce low drive for 2-0.
Sammy Garvie hit another pile driver form the corner of the 18 yard box, bringing the best out of Bedlington’s ‘keeper. The pace was still relentless and the Terriers were still fighting, but Shildon’s speed and slick passing game, along with the strength of Mark Foster and John Hutton in defence, allowed them to safely see out the game, continue their winning league run and leapfrog Bedlington into 7th place.
Final Score: Shildon 2 – Bedlington 0.

Conclusion: Confucius says, “The Terriers’ bark is worse than their bite”.