FA Cup – Page 2 – Shildon AFC

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

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

Shildon Hit Five in Second-Half Blitz to Sink Birtley Town

Shildon produced a ruthless second-half display to sweep past Birtley Town and book their place in the next round against Witton Albion FC

Despite dominating the first half, Shildon were repeatedly denied by Birtley’s teenage goalkeeper Max Campbell, who carried his fine form from Saturday’s clash into the replay. The young shot-stopper pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep the Railwaymen at bay, ensuring the sides went in level at the break.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute when Andrei Ardelean reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, slotting home to give Shildon a deserved lead. But the advantage was short-lived — just two minutes later, a misjudged clearance from Ciaran Banks saw the ball sliced into his own net, handing Birtley a lifeline.

What followed was a devastating 12-minute spell that blew the visitors away. Defender Gary Brown scored from close range, before Luke Spalding, Jon Weirs, and Ben Reay each found the net in quick succession, turning a tense affair into a commanding 5–1 lead.

Shildon continued to press and could have added more, but it was Birtley who had the final say — Alex Francis netting a late consolation in the 90th minute.

It was a performance full of attacking intent and resilience from Shildon, who now turn their attention to the FA Vase and a fixture against Durham United FC.

Attendance: 192