League: FA Cup
Warrington Town FC vs Shildon AFC
FA CUP FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND – REPLAY
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Shildon’s FA Cup Run Ends after Cheshire Replay
Shildon AFC bowed out of the FA Cup at the First Qualifying Round stage following a 4-0 defeat away to higher-ranked Warrington Town in their midweek replay.
The Railwaymen faced a difficult start at Cantilever Park, falling behind after just four minutes when Andy Jennison misjudged an inswinging corner from John Doherty, accidentally palming the ball into his own net. Warrington capitalised on their early momentum and doubled their lead two minutes later, finishing off a well-worked move through Jack Goodwin. Shildon’s first-half troubles were compounded on 20 minutes when central defender Tom Price was forced off with an injury, prompting a tactical reshuffle at the back.
Despite the early setbacks, Shildon settled down and held their own for much of the match, competing admirably against opposition from higher up the non-league pyramid. However, as the visitors pushed forward late on in search of a route back into the tie, Warrington caught them on the counter. Goodwin secured his second goal of the evening in the 78th minute to make it three, before Ruben Denton added a fourth in stoppage time.
While the final 4-0 scoreline suggests a dominant evening for the hosts, Shildon showed plenty of heart and effort against tough opposition. The squad now turns its attention to the FA Vase on Saturday with a trip to Lancashire to face Garstang FC.
Attendance: 355
4 vs 0 
Shildon AFC vs Warrington Town FC
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Shildon Earn FA Cup Replay After Spirited Draw with Higher-Tier Warrington
Shildon AFC earned a well-deserved 2-2 draw against Northern Premier League side Warrington Town in an entertaining Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie at the J Denham Metals Stadium. Playing against opposition from two divisions above, the Railwaymen delivered a resilient performance in front of a crowd of 278 at Dean Street, ensuring the tie will be decided in a mid-week replay.
The hosts started brightly and controlled the opening exchanges, but the visitors were handed a prime opportunity to take the lead when Leighton Harris brought down Zayn Sadiq inside the penalty area. Goalkeeper Andy Jennison came to Shildon’s rescue, diving to turn Reece Daly’s spot-kick around the post. Ten minutes later, Warrington were awarded a second penalty after Ewan Bange was fouled in the box. Daly stepped up again, and this time made no mistake, converting from twelve yards to put the visitors ahead. Shildon responded well to the setback and equalised shortly before the interval when Billy Greulich-Smith rose highest to head home Joe Posthill’s corner.
Shildon carried their momentum into the second half and took the lead in the 54th minute. Following a scramble in the Warrington goalmouth, Jon Weirs reacted quickest to blast the ball into the net. The hosts created opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to add a third. Warrington capitalised on 76 minutes when David Morgan chipped the ball over Jennison to restore parity.
Both teams pushed for a late winner in a end-to-end finish, but neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle.
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday night at Cantilever Park to settle the tie and determine who advances to the Second Qualifying Round.
Attendance: 278
2 vs 2 West Auckland Town vs Shildon AFC
The Emirates FA Cup – Preliminary Round
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Substitute Reay Seals FA Cup Derby Win for Shildon
Shildon AFC booked their place in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 away derby victory over West Auckland Town FC. The preliminary round tie was ultimately decided by a second-half strike, ensuring the visitors claimed the local bragging rights alongside their cup progression.
Shildon enjoyed the better of the general play throughout the opening forty-five minutes. However, it was the home side who managed to carve out the clearest opportunity of the half. West Auckland’s Hermenegildo Silva Fancung Viume broke clear through the defensive line, but Shildon goalkeeper Andy Jennison was quick to react, producing a crucial save to maintain the deadlock going into the break.
The visitors maintained their offensive pressure following the restart. Their persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute. Substitute Ben Reay provided the decisive finish at the end of a well-worked passing move to put Shildon ahead. Falling behind forced West Auckland to commit more players forward in search of an equalizer. This tactical shift left space at the back, allowing Shildon to look highly threatening on the counter-attack. The visitors created numerous late chances on the break to extend their lead but were unable to add to their tally.
A solid all-around performance ensured the single goal was enough to secure the win and the clean sheet. Shildon will now look ahead to the next stage of the competition, where they will host Warrington Town in the First Qualifying Round at the J Denham Metals Stadium at Dean Street.
Attendance: 261
0 vs 1 Shildon vs Blyth Town
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Shildon Sweep Aside Blyth to Reach FA Cup Preliminary Round
Shildon booked their place in the FA Cup preliminary round with a commanding 4–1 win over Blyth Town at Dean Street.
The Railwaymen were out of the blocks quickly and took a seventh‑minute lead, Jon Weirs latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and drilling low beyond the keeper. The pressure kept coming, and Shildon doubled their advantage on 28 minutes when Ben Reay reacted quickest to a scramble in the six‑yard area, poking home from close range.
Five minutes later it was three. Jack Blackford burst through the Blyth back line, spotted the goalkeeper advancing, and coolly lifted the ball over him to cap a superb first‑half display. Shildon went in at the break three goals to the good and firmly in control.
The second half proved more even, with Blyth tightening up and Shildon forced to be patient. Their reward finally arrived eight minutes from time when substitute Alfie Steel raced clear and slotted home for 4–0. Blyth grabbed a consolation in the 88th minute, Adam Johnson finishing a neat move to reduce the deficit.
Shildon now await confirmation of their opponents in the next round, with West Auckland and Yarm & Eaglescliffe set for a replay on Tuesday night.
Attendance: 210
4 vs 1 