Month: April 2019

Match Preview: Whitley Bay vs Shildon AFC

Saturday 13th April 2019, Kick-off 3pm

Shildon looking to finish strong in the build up to the Durham Challenge Cup final  

by Ash Brighton

Shildon bring their league fixtures to a close as they travel to Whitley Bay this Saturday in the Ebac Northern League Division 1.

The railway men will be looking to follow up the two team’s last meeting back in March, a 2-2 draw, with a win as they bring the curtain down on another league season.

While manager Daniel Moore is aware some eyes may well be shifting towards the big day at the Stadium of Light in May, he’s challenged the side to maintain their high standards since the festive period.

“The coming weeks are about keeping the standards and professionalism that the players have set themselves.”

“Since Christmas we have been one of the form teams in the league and we are looking to finish on a high which could possibly see us finish in the top 6.”

However, the manager is more than aware of what tomorrow’s game represents and does have May’s cup final in the background of his mind.

“Tomorrow will be good for me to see who is mentally ready for the last games.”

Shildon’s last result saw them draw 1-1 with local rivals Bishop Auckland in a fiercely contested matchup but will be looking for an ever better result against a mid-table Whitley Bay side.   

MATCH REPORT | Shildon 1 Bishop Auckland 1

Points shared in feisty derby by Josh Hart

Shildon’s final home game of the season ended all square, following a feisty encounter with rivals Bishop Auckland.

In what proved to be a scrappy game, Daniel Moores men edged a cagey first half and even led at the break thanks to a fine strike from number 10 Billy Greulich-Smith in the 19th minute.

Prior to the goal, the Railwaymen were applying pressure to Bishop Auckland, who started the game slow.

Bishop Auckland did respond early in the second half however, equalising via a Hoganson free kick into the bottom right hand corner after just 3 minuted played.

The remainder of the second half saw Shildon dominate a large proportion of the possession in Bishop Aucklands half, whilst the away side attempted to counter down the left flank whenever possible.

The home side also created many set piece opportunities, drawing fouls from the Bishop Auckland back line and midfield, particularly in the middle third of the pitch.

However, the biggest chance of the second half did fall to the away side, with Bishop Auckland failing to take the opportunity gifted to them by the Shildon keeper.

Speaking after the game manager Daniel Moore stated: ’I think we probably shaded it first half and they had a couple of chances second half, so on the whole probably a fair result’’

The result now leaves Shildon in 7th place, one point behind 6th placed Stockton Town.

Attendance: 384

Match Preview: Shildon AFC vs Bishop Auckland, Dean Street, Saturday 6th April, 3pm

Railwaymen looking to bounce back with huge derby win

by Ash Brighton

Shildon will welcome local rival’s Bishop Auckland to Dean street this Saturday with bragging rights on the line.

Assistant manager Mark Hudson, is optimistic about the team’s chances heading into Saturdays match, saying “the players are full of confidence at the minute”.

“It’s a local derby, we want to see plenty of passion, aggression and most importantly discipline.”

The hosts will be buoyed by the return of captain Ben Trotter after serving his 2 match suspension, a game the local lad will surely be looking forward too.

However, the Railwaymen will still be without forward Zac Atkinson still to complete the remainder of his ban thanks to a red card against Whitley Bay back in March.

Daniel Moore will be making his last appearance, after taking the difficult decision to retire in order to focus on his managerial role after his dismissal mid-week in the 2-1 defeat to Hebburn town.

A match which saw Shildon go down to 10 men and concede the winning goal deep into injury time in the second half.

But assistant Mark Hudson thinks there were still many positives taken out of the bittersweet result.

He said, “The players were fantastic Tuesday night, felt for them with the result but I’d go as far as to saying that was our best performance since I’ve been here in over nearly 2 years.”

Shildon currently sit in 7th place with a win possibly firing them as high as 5th at the end of the weekend

Shildon AFC – Daniel Moore retires from Playing Football

The Club announces that Daniel Moore will officially retire from playing after our game against Bishop Auckland on Saturday. Moore who has won the League, League Cup and Durham Challenge Cup in his second spell at the Club has been an outstanding servant to Shildon AFC, amassing over 400 games for the Club.

David Dent said “Daniel’s retirement from playing represents the end of an era for the Club but the start of an exciting new chapter for both the Club and Daniel. This will allow him to concentrate on being a Manager as we enter into a new season and our push for promotion. This is a big job and to fulfill the demands he cannot do both roles. His future at the Club rests very much in being our Manager ”

Daniel said ” It’s time….
I have been thinking and talking about it for the last few months and the Chairman has been very supportive regarding this. My heart says I’m 21 however my body and brain tell me otherwise. In addition to that I’ve now player – managed for 2/3 seasons and that brings its own challenges on and off the pitch. This is not the end for me, it is just the beginning. With the experience I have gained over the last few seasons I’m ready to focus all my energy on managing this great group of players I have assembled and look to gain promotion next season. I have had some amazing memories playing football and now I’m ready to make more as a Manager. “