Whickham vs Shildon

Recap

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

SHILDON STORM TO VICTORY IN WIND-SWEPT ROUT

Shildon AFC turned on the style in blustery conditions, sweeping aside their hosts with a commanding 5–0 win on a pitch that could only be described as “very bobbly”, unpredictable, and unforgiving.

It took just five minutes for the Railwaymen to lay down a marker. Luke Spalding, electric from the off, burst through the defence and coolly slotted past the keeper to open the scoring. Barely sixty seconds later, déjà vu struck as Spalding repeated the feat—same run, same finish, same result. 2–0 and cruising.
Despite Shildon’s dominance, goalkeeper Kiaran Hunter was called into action with a pair of smart saves to preserve the clean sheet, reminding the travelling support that the wind could turn at any moment.

The second half saw no let-up. On 52 minutes, a slick move down the right flank saw Max Allen whip in a pinpoint cross for skipper Jon Weirs, who made no mistake from close range. Three minutes later, Ciaran Banks added his name to the scoresheet with a thunderous strike that left the home keeper rooted.

Spalding capped off a sensational afternoon with his third—completing a well-earned hat-trick in the 65th minute. Shildon could have added more, squandering several chances to pad their goal difference, but the job was done.

In swirling winds and tricky terrain, this was a performance full of grit, flair, and ruthless efficiency. Shildon march on.

Attendance: 207