Shildon slump to cool Atherton

NORTHERN LEAGUE champions Shildon crashed out of the FA Vase after a heavy home defeat to Wigan-based side Atherton Collieries.

The Railwaymen had the better of a goalless first half in which they had the majority of possession and created the better chances.

Former Darlington 1883 striker Amar Purewal broke the deadlock for the hosts on 57 minutes. The ball was played through to him and he kept his composure to place a low shot past Colliers keeper Adam Reid.

Three minutes later, a long ball forward was headed out by Shildon stopper Nick Liversedge only for Ben Hardcastle to hook the ball into the empty net from 20 yards.

That was the first of three goals in a tenminute spell which gave the Lancastrians control.

Mark Truffas produced a beautiful cross which was headed home by a lively Mark Battersby to give Atherton the lead just past the hour.

The home side had no answer to this pressure from the North West Counties League outfit.

Hardcastle’s 68th minute corner was not cleared properly and Dan Lafferty rose highest to loop home a header.

Shildon’s influence on proceedings was far less than it had been in the first half and they looked a well beaten side.

Danny Parker’s header sailed harmlessly over Reid’s bar as the home fans began to leave disappointed.

It was all over when the visitors caught the Railwaymen on a quick breakaway, with substitute Jordan Cover easily slotting past Liversedge three minutes from time.

It was left to the small band of away fans to sing about a possible trip to Wembley as the referee blew the final whistle. STAR MAN: Josh Messer (Atherton) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★