League: FA Cup
Shildon vs Birtley Town
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
5 vs 2 
Birtley Town vs Shildon
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
2 vs 2 
Shildon vs Ashington AFC
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Consett Hosts Entertaining Cup Clash During Dean Street Upgrades
Despite fielding a significantly depleted squad due to injuries and unavailability, Shildon AFC produced a spirited and professional performance to overcome higher-ranked visitors Ashington in emphatic fashion.
The Railwaymen started brightly, applying early pressure and forcing Ashington onto the back foot. Clear chances soon followed, with Andrei Ardelean rattling the crossbar in what was the first of several promising openings. Shildon’s perseverance was rewarded on 21 minutes when Jon Weirs capped off a fluid attacking move by firing clinically into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The same player nearly doubled the lead shortly after, but the Ashington goalkeeper pulled off a strong one-on-one save.
Luke Spalding also went close before the break, cutting in from the wing and bending a well-struck effort just wide of the far post. The hosts took a deserved 1–0 advantage into half time.
Ashington looked to respond after the interval but rarely tested debutant goalkeeper Mathew Wheeler, who was assured throughout. Shildon extended their lead on 69 minutes when Andrei Ardelean thundered a strike into the roof of the net. Just three minutes later, Spalding added a third with a composed finish after racing clear of the defence.
Further chances followed — Ashton Houlahan drew another fine save and Ciaran Banks struck the crossbar from 30 yards with a dipping free kick. The visitors snatched a late consolation from the penalty spot with their only effort on target, denying Shildon a clean sheet in the closing moments.
Nonetheless, it was a fully deserved 3–1 victory for Shildon, whose resilience and attacking flair now see them progress to face Birtley Town in the next round.
Attendance: 138
3 vs 1 
Dan Smith
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