A well-taken first half goal from Corey McKeown was enough to secure Moors’ third consecutive victory of pre-season as Shildon were beaten at Dean Street on Tuesday evening.
The wide man’s composed finish proved the game’s decisive moment, though Graeme Lee’s men were good value for the win and could have scored more goals but for a defiant display from their hosts.
McKeown spun in behind the Shildon defence on 19 minutes, driving positively into the left side of the penalty area before stabbing a low shot beyond the keeper and into the bottom corner of the net.
Shildon responded with a wicked ball whipped in from the left which clipped the top of the bar on its way over, much to the relief of Brad James who was back in Moors’ goal after signing a new deal.
McKeown then turned provider, standing up an intelligent cross to the far post which was met well by Glen Taylor only for the striker’s looping header to bounce back off the bar.
James made a tidy save at his far post to deny Shildon following a deep free-kick from the right, while Rob Ramshaw volleyed just wide for Moors after some good work by Taylor.
Taylor drew a save from the home keeper in the early stage of the second half as Moors really got on top, before Matty Dolan drove an effort just wide from the edge of the area.
More excellent play from McKeown created a chance for Isaac Fletcher who came inside on to his right foot to curl a shot which looked destined for the far corner only for it to hit the post and bounce across the line before being cleared.
Fletcher had another chance on 73 minutes when he arrived on cue to strike a blistering shot from 20 yards which the Shildon keeper did well to parry away.
However, it was McKeown’s first half goal which proved the difference as Moors added to their victories at Marske United and Consett with a 1-0 triumph over The Railwaymen.
Full Time: Shildon 0 Moors 1
Moors: James, Ledger (Staunton 46), Rowe (Trialist 46), Beals (Chapman 85), Myers, Howard, Dolan (Atkinson 74), McKeown (Dodds 87), Ramshaw (Trialist 72), Fletcher, Taylor (Mondal 63).
Subs: Staunton, Mondal, Naylor, Atkinson, Dodds, Chapman, Trialist, Trialist.
