Consett’s hopes of keeping their place in the Northern League First Division took another blow with this disappointing defeat as they completed their home programme. With Prudhoe having played a draw at Marske, The Steelmen are now two points from safety with only three games to play.
Manager Colin Carr made a couple of changes to the side that lost in midweek to Jarrow Roofing. Lee Suddes and Neil Lowdon returned to the midfield after recovering from injuries with Chris Hodgson and Mark Lee stepping down to the bench.
Shildon started brightly and thought they had taken the lead after four minutes. Barnes, who caused the Consett rearguard problems throughout, put a cross in from the left which young defender David Hogg put into his own net as he tried to clear, but Consett were reprieved by an offside flag. But there was no reprieve four minutes later when the visitors were awarded what seemed a harsh penalty for handball against Jeff Sugden. Barnes made no mistake from the spot.
Consett tried to get into the game but were restricted to long range efforts from Darren Grimes and Lee Suddes which caused the visiting keeper few problems. At the other end again Barnes threatened but James Platten came out to block. The Steelmen’s best chance of the half, came after 37 minutes. A free-kick was headed down by Johnny Brown to Colin McLeod who turned and shot but straight at keeper Clementson.
Three minutes before the interval Shildon doubled their lead. Walton broke down the left flank and cut the ball back from the by-line for the unmarked Rutter to fire into the bottom corner.
Half Time:
Consett 0-2 Shildon
The Railwaymen almost added a third in the first few seconds of the second period. Again it was Barnes who found himself with only Platten to beat but the Consett custodian blocked the shot with his body. However, Shildon did add a third after 68 minutes, and it was simplicity itself. Barnes’ left wing corner found Tobin at the far post who headed the ball back across goal and ex-Consett player David Bayles was left with a simple tap in.
Bayles almost got on the scoresheet again six minutes later following a good move but again Platten saved. The home side almost got a consolation after 75 minutes. Youngster Andy Green beat the offside but Clementson made a sprawling save to turn the shot around the post.
There was little to report after that and despite throwing on Mark Lee and Andrew Thompson in the closing stages The Steelmen never really threatened the visitors goal.
Full Time:
Consett 0-3 Shildon
