Hat-tricks for both McClelland and Brooks

Shilbottle ground out a hard fought victory in this encounter against the league’s basement side at the Longbenton Sporting Club on Monday evening.

The Colliers began in storming fashion and took the lead after only two minutes play when a long clearance from keeper Sean Straker was collected by Brad McClelland who lobbed the Chemfica keeper to open the scoring.

Five minutes later, McClelland got his second when he got on the end of a knock-on to finish well.

The game became more even after this eventful start and chances were at a premium. Shilbottle led by the two goals at the interval but came under severe pressure following the restart.

McClelland could have made the game safe on the hour when he broke clear only to be foiled by the Chemfica keeper.

However, the Colliers defence held firm and when Liam Brooks set up McClelland for an easy finish to complete his hat-trick five minutes from time the points were in the bag.

* In their previous game, last Wednesday, Shilbottle beat Cramlington Town 7-0 when Liam Brookes netted a hat-trick. There were also two goals for Josh hay and one apiece for Joe Henderson and Ross Moor. Cramlington had a player sent off.