May 2019 – Page 2 – Shildon AFC

SHILDON AFC triumph against South Shields FC in epic Durham County Challenge Cup final.

The Durham County Challenge Cup is an annual competition held between the clubs of Durham County Football Association.

An impressive 600 fans from the Shildon community traveled to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light to support the club on Friday 3 May 2019.

Russell Henderson, Shildon AFC supporter’s club representative said: “what a night to remember! I’ve followed Shildon since the 70’s and its moments like these where the whole community is united that you really remember. The club have seen lots of changes over this last six months and they are really starting to pay off”

Included in the supporters were Joseph Brunson and Luke Thompson who won family tickets to the final at the recent Easter activities club held at Dean Street, Shildon. The two boys enjoyed free transport to the match with their families as well as witnessing what proved to be a great end to the season for Shildon AFC.

David Dent, chairman of Shildon AFC said : “ We are understandably over the moon with our win, in what we think is one the most important competitions in the region. But what we are really humbled by is the huge community support we received in the run up until the final, and on the night itself. He went onto add: “Preparations are already underway for 2019/20 season and we are looking forward to that continued support in what is going to be an exciting year ahead, both on and off the pitch”

Shildon head to Stadium of Light in search of cup glory

The railwaymen face a tough opponent in the final however, taking on a strong South Shields side.

But manager Daniel Moore, doesn’t just expect his players to head to Sunderland just to make up the numbers.

“We are not going to the Stadium of Light to have a nice night out, we are going with the mind set to win a cup final as underdogs.”

Shildon saw off Hartlepool United in the semi final to make it to Friday nights climax and will be hopeful of finishing the 2018/19 season with some silverware.

Potentially, South Shields may field a much younger side, resting some senior players ahead of their play-off match the next day.

Nonetheless manager Moore fully expects a strong, competitive side.

“I have seen their academy teams play this season and they are littered with quality young players.”

That being said, age shouldn’t be a concern to either side really as half of Shildon’s 18 man match day squad themselves are under the age of 20.

The railway men have been able to focus their attentions towards Fridays matchup ever since their final league game back on April 13th, a 3-1 win away to Whitley Bay. Cappping off a solid season, however one last win on Friday night could set the tone for next season.