Month: December 2020

Happy New Year from Everyone at Shildon AFC

We would like to wish all supporters, volunteers, committee members, players and sponsors a very Happy New Year from everyone at Shildon Football Club. 

Thank you for your continued support during 2020 in what was a year like no other. We hopefully look forward to seeing you all when our gates at Dean Street are allowed to be opened once again.

All the Best.

Update from Northern League

With the news of County Durham moving into Tier 4, we have received today from Kevin Hewitt, Secretary of the Ebac Northern League the following email.

“Although the LMC meeting planned for Monday 4th January 2021 will still go ahead as planned and consider what options, if any, may be available for the rest of the season I will, following the announcement by the Government earlier today of the changes which will place more than 90% of clubs in the league under Tier 4 restrictions, take this opportunity to issue the FA’s Statement of 19th December 2020 regarding such areas:”

FA STATEMENT – 19 DECEMBER

An update for ‘Non-Elite’ football in England following latest Covid-19 Tier 4 restrictions

Further to the government’s announcement this evening with regards to the introduction of Tier 4 areas and the latest information on Covid-19, football for adult participants across ‘non-elite’ football in Tier 4 areas is not permitted, including all training and fixtures.

This immediate advice in place from 20 December applies to the following aspects of ‘non-elite’ football in England in Tier 4 areas:

· Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];

· Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];

· Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;

· The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;

· FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs [unless under elite status]

· Indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football.

· The Vitality Women’s FA Cup is currently classified as ‘non-elite’ at this stage in the competition.

The Government’s Tier 4 guidance states organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people will be allowed. The Government’s guidelines on travel between Tiers should be adhered to. These players cannot move in or out of Tier 4 to train or play.

The Government’s Tier 4 guidance confirms that elite sportspeople (and their coaches if necessary, or parents/guardians if they are under 18) are able to compete and train.

It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers in Tiers 1-3 (and permitted football in Tier 4) continue to strictly follow both the UK Government’s latest guidance on COVID-19 and respective bespoke guidance documents from the FA. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the local County Football Association.

If there are any further updates from Government we will communicate these in due course.

Former Shildon manager, Ray Gowan releases book

Ray Gowan who spent 14 Seasons at Shildon, including the FA Cup first round game against Notts County,  has released a book looking back over his 45 years in non league football as a player and manager.

The book entitled Football Ray’s Way is available to order direct from Ray priced at £10 + Postage & Packing.

Speaking to the website Ray said of the book “I am very pleased with the quality of the printing and the book will be a great addition to any quality bookshelf.

It covers my time as a player in the South and the Northern League and Northern Premier for Gateshead.

I went to SA in 1971 and managed my first team. I returned to the UK in 1976 and managed at Dormans in The Teesside League and then Brandon, Spennymoor, Shildon (14 seasons), Ashington, Esh Winning and finally West Auckland. I returned to SA in 2008 and have lived here ever since.”

If you would like to order a copy of Ray’s book, please email raygowan@hotmail.com 

Stockton Town 1 Shildon 3 – Match Report by Adam Gill

Stockton Town 1-3 Shildon: Match Report

Shildon saw off a tough Stockton Town side in the Buildbase FA Vase as they progressed to the fourth round at the Map Group UK Stadium.

Dean Thexton gave the Railwaymen the lead in the 13th minute before Kurt Matthews doubled his sides lead on the stroke of half time.

Nathan Mulligan pulled a goal back for Stockton in the 73rd minute, before Thexton sealed the win for Shildon five minutes from time.

Shildon reached the third round after an away win against Hallam, whilst Stockton defeated Charnock Richard at home.

The home side had the first chance of the game, when Kevin Hayes cut inside past Dom Curl however his effort was saved by Shaun Newbrook.

Thexton gave his side the lead just two minutes later, when his brilliant strike dipped over keeper Ross Coombe into the net.

Shildon almost went two up in the 33rd minute, when Thexton ran onto Daniel Moore’s long ball, before seeing his half-volley saved by Coombe.

The away side doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, as captain Chay Liddle played through Matthews who slotted home beyond Coombe.

Stockton pushed forward in the second half – Hayes and Shane Henry going close – however the Shildon back line stood strong and resilient.

The hosts did find a way back into the game through Mulligan, as he brought down a cross before firing low past Newbrook to half the deficit.

Shildon’s two goal advantage was restored in the 85th minute, when Michael Sweet laid the ball off to Thexton, who excellently placed the ball into the top corner to seal the win.

Stockton bow out of the competition at the third round, whilst Shildon continue their quest to Wembley.