Both sides are currently struggling for points as they head into this local Bank Holiday derby.
Garry Barnes and Ian Maddison are struggling with injuries
WEST AUCKLAND 1-1 SHILDON
Mon 27 Aug, 11:00AM, LgeHonours ended even in the local Bank Holiday match between West Auckland and Shildon as both sides battled and fought in the glorious sunshine .
After last season's two poor performances by West Auckland in the corresponding fixtures, the hosts wanted a bright start. They should, in truth, have been 1 down within the first minute when a slick Shildon move set Adam Emson through one on one with Mark Bell who did well to make the save.
West Auckland applied the pressure after this and with their first effort on goal they took the lead in the 11th minute, despite Shildon's appeals that the ball did not cross the line. From Danny Richmond's corner, Andrew Spence could only palm it out into the path of Jamie Middleton whose header definitely crossed the line before being cleared, as signalled by the assistant referee.
Mark Bell was called into action immediately pushing away another effort before Scott Nicholson's header was easily saved. Kevin Bromley tried an ambitious effort with an instinctive volley from 25 yards that was held by Andrew Spence.
However disaster struck for West in the 29th minute when, from their own free kick, the ball was cleared, Danny Richmond beaten to the ball that left a 2 on 1 counter attack. Adam Emson led the charge, passed it left to Tyson Masters and he calmly finished to level the scores.
This clearly gave the visitors more confidence and Dion Raitt's header was thankfully straight at Mark Bell seconds later. Stuart Niven also fired wide after more good work from Adam Emson as Shildon looked to run riot. West though settled and nearly led at half time when, 7 minutes before the break, Danny Richmond volleyed inches wide from the edge of the box after a half cleared corner.
It took a while before the first meaningful effort of the second half when, in the 66th minute, Dion Raitt's long range fizzing shot was well held by Mark Bell. West Auckland had appeals for handball turned down when a Brian Fairhurst free kick was blocked by the wall as West began to impose themselves on the half with Shildon struggling to gel.
Stuart Owen could only loop a high shot into Andrew Spence's arms in the 74th minute before, a minute later, Dale Jardine's fierce shot appeared to be heading towards the top corner only for it to be headed away. Owen tormented the Shildon defence again in the 78th minute when he rode a few challenges but was crowded out at the last second, only being able to scuff his shot goal wards into the grateful arms of Spence.
Shildon reminded West that they were still in the game and could snatch a winner with Stuart Niven's excellent free kick flashing narrowly over the bar. 3 minutes before the end Karl Everitt, returning to West after plying his trade for them last season, tamely shot into Mark Bell's arms as both sides looked to turn a point into three.
Scott Nicholson could only head over a minute later before the last chance of the game saw Adam Emson's shot deflected off the defender and Mark Bell did well to react and block in a nasty moment for the keeper.
1. Mark Bell, 2. Michael Heckley, 3. Brian Fairhurst, 4. James Middleton, 5. Michael Waller, 6. Scott Nicholson, 7. Darren Kokes (14. Lee Ellison 76 mins), 8. Danny Richmond, 9. Dale Jardine, 10. Garry Barnes (17. Danny Robinson 60 mins), 11. Kevin Bromley (15. Stuart Owen 60 mins)
Subs Not Used: 12. Ian Maddison, 16. Lee Hutton