Guisborough underlined their Northern League top four status as they held title-chasing Shildon to a goalless draw at the KGV Stadium
Guisborough underlined their Northern League top four status as they held title-chasing Shildon to a goalless draw at the KGV Stadium.
The Priorymen were without Danny Johnson as their 53-goal top scorer was suffering from ’flu.
Johnson’s 40-goal striker partner Mikey Roberts took over responsibility up front and had several chances.
But he was thwarted by a combination of agile keeper Lewis Graham and a sturdy Railwaymen defence well marshalled by former Hartlepool United and York City defender Darren Craddock.
Guisborough shot-stopper Luke Coddington - on an extended loan from Boro - also pulled off some great saves to deny Shildon’s strikeforce in front of a very decent 235 crowd.
Defensive midfielder Adam Gell showed his continued improvement in the centre of the park for Guisborough as he was named man of the match for the 10th time this season.
The stalemate could dent second-placed Shildon’s title aspirations as leaders Celtic Nation thumped Hebburn 6-0
Guisborough boss Chris Hardy felt his side could and should have claimed all three points instead of having to settle for one.
He said: “On paper, it was always going to be a tight game and, true to the form book, that is exactly how the fixture played out.
“Both sides played the game in a very competitive manner, but the better chances fell to us.
“But a combination of some poor finishing and good defending meant we were unable to break the deadlock.
“On another day I’m sure we could have ran out comfortable winners.
“On reflection, I’m a little disappointed we didn’t take all three points as there were performances that warranted more.”
Guisborough now look forward to a midweek trip to Northumberland to play Bedlington Terriers on Wednesday before returning to the KGV next Saturday to host Dunston.
After winning 3-1 at Penrith in midweek, Billingham Synthonia made just one enforced change against Newcastle Benfield and their decision to opt for continuity paid off with a 2-1 home win.
Following a goalless first half, former Darlington player Stuart Ellliot put Benfield in front in sensational fashion, arrowing a 30-yarder into the top corner.
Synners hit back almost immediately with Matty Osmond and Theo Furness going close before top scorer Michael Sweet tapped in a loose ball after Fred Woodhouse had a shot saved.
The match looked to be heading for a draw but Synners substitute Kris Hughes scored the winner with five minutes left after Sweet sent him sprinting clear.
Synners assistant boss Lee Tucker said: “It was a terrific performance from us especially in the second half, producing some good football at times.”
There were no goals at Marske as the Seasiders kept a rare clean sheet against a transitioning Durham City side who rocked up with only 12 players.
Marske were the better side in the first half with Jamie Clarke and Chris McGill both going close, but Durham were more dangerous after the break.
Billingham Town were dumped 6-0 at Dunston, and Thornaby lost 2-1 at home to Northallerton despite a late David Wells goal.
Former Thornaby forward Chris Burton had a hand in one of Northallerton’s goals.
Stokesley capsized in the second half of their 4-1 defeat at Whickham after Gary Redman had drawn them level.
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