League: ENL1

Whickham vs Shildon

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)

SHILDON STORM TO VICTORY IN WIND-SWEPT ROUT

Shildon AFC turned on the style in blustery conditions, sweeping aside their hosts with a commanding 5–0 win on a pitch that could only be described as “very bobbly”, unpredictable, and unforgiving.

It took just five minutes for the Railwaymen to lay down a marker. Luke Spalding, electric from the off, burst through the defence and coolly slotted past the keeper to open the scoring. Barely sixty seconds later, déjà vu struck as Spalding repeated the feat—same run, same finish, same result. 2–0 and cruising.
Despite Shildon’s dominance, goalkeeper Kiaran Hunter was called into action with a pair of smart saves to preserve the clean sheet, reminding the travelling support that the wind could turn at any moment.

The second half saw no let-up. On 52 minutes, a slick move down the right flank saw Max Allen whip in a pinpoint cross for skipper Jon Weirs, who made no mistake from close range. Three minutes later, Ciaran Banks added his name to the scoresheet with a thunderous strike that left the home keeper rooted.

Spalding capped off a sensational afternoon with his third—completing a well-earned hat-trick in the 65th minute. Shildon could have added more, squandering several chances to pad their goal difference, but the job was done.

In swirling winds and tricky terrain, this was a performance full of grit, flair, and ruthless efficiency. Shildon march on.

Attendance: 207

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Birtley Town vs Shildon

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)

Last-Gasp Glory as Shildon Edge Birtley Town in Dramatic Finish

Shildon left it late but ultimately claimed a well-earned three points on Tuesday night, snatching a 2–1 victory over Birtley Town thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Luke Spalding.

It was a night of near misses and mounting frustration for the Railwaymen, who rattled the woodwork five times and squandered a string of golden opportunities. Ben Reay, Andrei Ardelaen, and Billy Greulich-Smith all went close early on before Reay finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, racing clear and slotting coolly into the corner.

Birtley responded with a spirited spell before the interval but failed to seriously test Shildon keeper Kiaran Hunter.  Shildon had a strong penalty appeal waved away early in the second half, and Ardelaen blazed over when clean through as the chances continued to pile up.

The hosts found their equaliser on the hour mark, Liam Thear rising to nod past Hunter and set up a tense finale. Shildon threw everything forward in the dying stages, and just when it looked like their profligacy might prove costly, Spalding delivered the killer blow in the 92nd minute, rifling home to spark jubilant celebrations.

The win lifts Shildon to fifth in the table, with games in hand on all four sides above them. Next up: a trip to botom club Whickham on Saturday, where the Railwaymen will look to keep their momentum rolling.

Attendance: 162

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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

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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

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