Young goalkeeper Tyler Dickinson made a rare start for the home side as manager Jamie Tunstall rejigged his line-up following encouraging draws against Whitley Bay and Seaham Red Star.

First Half

Jacob Stayman-Colinn, who was recalled in attack, lasted only seven minutes before having to hobble off with an injury recurrence. Jonny Shepherd came on as a substitute but took a knock himself that caused him to retire after 28 minutes, and after a bright start Town quickly found themselves on the back foot.

Shildon took the lead after 29 minutes from one of their first attacks. Joe Posthill’s effort was saved by Dickinson, but Billy Greulich Smith was alert to tap in the rebound.

Worse was to come for Dickinson five minutes later when he collided with a post when dealing with a Shildon attack and needed the attention of both clubs’ medical teams before leaving the field. Centre-back Luke Drummond took over as emergency keeper.

HT - Northallerton Town 0 - 1 Shildon AFC

Second Half

Town rallied again after the break and Ali Banks tested keeper Joshua Mazfari following a quick attack. Jack Raper also had an effort on target saved.

Ben Jackson and Banks threatened again, with the match still in the balance at that stage before another lengthy injury hold-up, this time for Shildon defender Max Allen, who had to be stretchered off.

Shildon added a second goal after 68 minutes. The Town defence failed to clear a Posthill corner and Brad Hirst fired into the top of the net. It took only seven minutes for Hirst to grab his second and wrap up all three points for the visitors.

Northallerton never gave up the fight, however, and Josh MacDonald sent an effort narrowly over the bar 10 minutes from the end.

Thanks go to match sponsor MW Darwin & Sons Estate Agents for kindly sponsoring the match.

FT - Northallerton Town 0 - 3 Shildon AFC

Northallerton Town

Dickinson (Haase 38’), Bickerton, Thompson, Scott (MacDonald 62’), Luck, Drummond, Raper, Conway, A Banks, Stayman-Colinn (Shepherd 7’ (Jackson 28’)), Spenceley.

Shildon

Mazfari, MacCarthy, C Banks, Green, Allen (Sartini), Vaulks, Spalding (Hird), Harris, Greulich Smith (Ardelean), Reay (Jervis), Posthill (Gillan).