League: ENL1

Whitley Bay vs Shildon

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

Shildon Left to Rue Missed Chances in Whitley Bay Defeat

Shildon AFC produced a spirited display on Saturday but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and a goalkeeping masterclass, falling 2–0 to Whitley Bay in a frustrating afternoon at Hillheads Park.

The Railwaymen dominated possession for large stretches and carved out a series of promising openings, yet couldn’t find a way past Whitley Bay’s inspired shot-stopper. The visiting keeper earned his Man of the Match honours with a string of superb saves, denying Shildon time and again with reflexes that kept his side in control.

Despite their attacking intent, Shildon were punished for moments of carelessness at the back. Twice they surrendered possession in dangerous areas, and twice Whitley Bay capitalised—clinical finishes that proved decisive.

Speaking after the match, Shildon manager Chris Hughes remained upbeat. “I can’t fault the lads’ effort today,” he said. “We’ve just got to take it on the chin and move on.”

With no fixture midweek, attention now turns to the FA Vase. Shildon will face Longridge Town FC in what promises to be a pivotal tie in their cup campaign, the fixture is to be played at the Sir Tom Cowie Millfield Ground, Crook.

Attendance: 409

2 vs 0

West Auckland Town vs Shildon

Attendance: 411

1 vs 2

North Shields vs Shildon

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

Ardelean Hat-Trick Headlines Chaotic Victory

Shildon AFC emerged with all three points from a rollercoaster clash at North Shields, surviving a late onslaught to seal a 4–3 win in a match that veered from dominance to near disaster.

For 85 minutes, the Railwaymen looked in complete control. Despite a lack of clear chances early on, their pressure paid off just before the break when Andrei Ardelean broke the deadlock, sending Shildon in 1–0 up at half-time.

The second half began with more of the same. Ardelean doubled the lead moments after the restart, and with North Shields reduced to nine men following two sin-bin dismissals, Shildon pressed their advantage. Ardelean completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute, capping a clinical individual performance.

A fourth goal followed when a North Shields defender inadvertently headed past his own keeper, leaving the hosts reeling and Shildon cruising at 4–0.

But football rarely follows the script.

In a dramatic twist, North Shields mounted a stunning late rally, scoring in the 88th, 90th, and 92nd minutes to set up a tense finale. What had looked like a routine away win suddenly became a frantic scramble to hold on.

Ultimately, Shildon did enough to secure the victory — a valuable three points against a top-three side, albeit with a few more grey hairs added in stoppage time.

Attendance: 488