Birtley Town vs Shildon

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Recap

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)

Late Equaliser Denies Visitors in Hard-Fought Cup Tie

Shildon were left ruing a last-minute equaliser as they battled to a 2–2 draw against Birtley Town in a gritty cup encounter played on a rock-hard, unforgiving surface.

With injuries, suspensions, and several key absentees disrupting their lineup, Shildon faced an uphill challenge from the outset. Despite the conditions, the visitors struck first when Andrei Ardelaen coolly finished in the 14th minute, capping off a lively opening spell that saw chances at both ends.

Birtley responded midway through the half, levelling the score with a well-taken effort that sent the sides into the break all square.

Shildon dominated possession after the restart and regained the lead when Tom Price rifled home from close range following a corner, giving the Railwaymen a deserved advantage. They looked set to progress until the dying moments, when Birtley snatched a dramatic equaliser with a long-range strike that left the visitors stunned.

Speaking after the match, Shildon coach David Pounder reflected on the result: “We probably edged it in terms of chances, but given the circumstances, a draw might be a fair outcome.”

Attendance – 174

Details

Date Time League Season
August 16, 2025 3:00 pm FA Cup 2025-26

Ground

Newtown Industrial Estate, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 2QW
Barley Mow, Birtley, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, DH3 2QQ, United Kingdom

Results

Club1st Half2nd HalfGoals
Birtley Town112
Shildon112

Birtley Town

Position Captain Goals Yellow Cards Red Cards
 0230

Shildon

# Player Position Captain Goals Yellow Cards Red Cards
1Matthew WheelerGoalkeeper0000
2Leighton HarrisMidfielder0000
3Ciaran BanksDefender0000
4Ashton HoulahanMidfielder0000
5Max Allen Defender0000
6Thomas PriceDefender0100
7Nathan Greenwood 14Forward0000
8Jon WeirsMidfielder1010
9Andrei ArdeleanForward0100
10Billy Greulich-SmithForward0000
11Luke Spalding 12Midfielder0000
12Dan Smith 11Midfielder0000
14Benjamin Reay 7Forward0000
15Charlie HawdonDefender0000
16Sam TaylorGoalkeeper0000
 Total  210