MATCH REPORT BY MICHAEL WILSON

Resilient Railwaymen Earn Second Chance Against Witton Albion

Shildon AFC battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a thrilling 3–3 draw against Witton Albion FC in Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie. The result sets up a replay back in County Durham on Tuesday evening.

The Railwaymen made a dream start when Luke Spalding opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, finishing off a well-worked move to silence the home crowd.

But Witton Albion responded with clinical intent, netting twice before the break through Freddy Garbutt and Josh Langley then adding a third early in the second half via Jacob Hamman leaving Shildon trailing 3–1.

Refusing to fold, Shildon clawed their way back into the contest. John Weirs narrowed the gap with a powerful header from a corner, and in the final stages, Billy Greulich Smith pounced on a defensive error to level the tie and send the travelling support into raptures.

The fixture now heads to a replay on Tuesday 2 September 2025, to be held at the Sir Tom Cowie Millfield Ground, with kick-off at 7:45pm. Supporters are urged to turn out in force as Shildon look to book their place in the next round.

Attendance: 367