I mentioned yesterday that I quite fancied a game tonight. Quite a few games were being played in the Northern League tonight but none of them were local to me. Hebburn was probably the closest and even that is a bit of a trek. When I found out about this game this afternoon, it was always going to be my choice. I suppose it brings a new ground as well as I’ve never seen a game at Dyke House in Hartlepool. Including tonight, I’ve now seen five games in a row that have had five goals. I’ve had an average of 4.77 goals per game in 2018 so far. If I hadn’t watched a 0-0 between Whickham and Easington Colliery, my average would have been 5.38 goals per game. As well as for fitness for both sides, this game tonight was also played to try to raise money for Hartlepool United. It’s a great gesture from Hartlepool FC to have a bucket collection for their bigger neighbours, especially when they’ve had to pay for the pitch hire out of their own pocket. From what I can tell, Shildon sent a much stronger squad than Hartlepool were expecting tonight.

To the game and it was an entertaining affair. After exactly one minute, Shildon should have been ahead. A low ball was fizzed across goal and a first effort was lifted over the crossbar from a matter of four yards.

The next notable chance fell the way of Hartlepool in the 18th minute. A quick turn found room and a shot from 20 yards darted narrowly wide.

Despite being two tiers below their visitors, Hartlepool kept them at bay for much of the first half.

Jamie Tumilty fired over for the hosts just before the half hour mark before a good spell from Shildon resulted with a fingertip save preventing the Northern League Division One side.

A quick counter from Hartlepool gave a chance with four minutes of the first half to play but a first time curling effort was saved by the Shildon ‘keeper.

Following the break, Shildon took the lead with only four minutes played. A quick attack down the wing worked the ball into a crossing position. A powerful header met the cross but that was met by a fine save. However, the rebound was eventually bundled home.

The Wearside League outfit were level within two minutes of going behind. Following a good run, a shot bounced back off the post but Daniel Maddison was able to slot home at the third time of asking.

Following chances at both ends, three goals in three minutes sparked the game into life. Jay Nicholson did extremely well to keep a long ball in and his first time cross was headed home from point-blank range to regain Shildon’s lead in the 63rd minute.

Only two minutes later, the Railwaymen doubled their lead. A great chance was wasted by Hartlepool and the resulting goal kick was flicked on to play Shildon’s forward in and his first time half volley gave the Hartlepool ‘keeper no chance.

A matter of thirty seconds later, Hartlepool halved the deficit. A good through ball found Maddison and he finished well for his second of the night.

The game settled down again and after a few half chances, Anthony Peacock could have wrapped up the win for Shildon in the 84th minute. Beating the offside trap, Peacock raced down on goal but he could only drag wide.

With more or less the last kick of the game, Hartlepool could have snatched a draw. A quick move cut open the Shildon defence and the hosts were through on goal. The original effort was saved and the rebound had the ‘keeper beaten but sailed just wide.

Full-time: Hartlepool FC 2-3 Shildon