North Shields vs Shildon

Recap

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY _{(edited by Michael Wilson)}

Ardelean Hat-Trick Headlines Chaotic Victory

Shildon AFC emerged with all three points from a rollercoaster clash at North Shields, surviving a late onslaught to seal a 4–3 win in a match that veered from dominance to near disaster.

For 85 minutes, the Railwaymen looked in complete control. Despite a lack of clear chances early on, their pressure paid off just before the break when Andrei Ardelean broke the deadlock, sending Shildon in 1–0 up at half-time.

The second half began with more of the same. Ardelean doubled the lead moments after the restart, and with North Shields reduced to nine men following two sin-bin dismissals, Shildon pressed their advantage. Ardelean completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capping a clinical individual performance.

A fourth goal followed when a North Shields defender inadvertently headed past his own keeper, leaving the hosts reeling and Shildon cruising at 4–0.

But football rarely follows the script.

In a dramatic twist, North Shields mounted a stunning late rally, scoring in the 88th, 90th, and 92nd minutes to set up a tense finale. What had looked like a routine away win suddenly became a frantic scramble to hold on.

Ultimately, Shildon did enough to secure the victory — a valuable three points against a top-three side, albeit with a few more grey hairs added in stoppage time.

Attendance: 488