Worthy Champions

Shildon AFC was presented with the 2015-16 Northern League Division One Championship trophy at Dean Street on Wednesday 4th May after an 8 – 1 win against Ashington in their final home game of the season.

The trophy was presented by Mike Amos the Shildon born chairman of the Northern League just weeks before he retires from the post after twenty years dedicated service. He said the script couldn’t have worked out any better as earlier in the day he set off from St. John’s Church at 2 30pm to do the final walk of his 500 mile ‘Last Leg Challenge’. He was accompanied by manager Gary Forrest and his wife, along with a large posse of dignitaries including representatives from Guisborough, Tow Law, Bishop Auckland, West Auckland and Penrith. Before today’s walk the challenge had raised £23,700, then Gary Forrest said he would make up any difference to £25,000. Half the money raised is going to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the other half in £1,000 segments is going to community based charities, nominated by the football clubs themselves.

It is the first time Shildon have won the trophy since the late 1930’s. Fittingly, the trophy was also won in the final year of Brian Burn’s eleven years tenure as Chairman of Shildon. It was Brian who brought Gary Forrest and his management team to the club, and they couldn’t have given him a better leaving present.

Ben Wood opening the scoring after just 4 minutes., before captain Daniel ‘Bobby’ Moore made it 2 – 0 with a towering header. Billy Greulich-Smith added a 3rd on 39 minutes, for his 29th goal of the season.

Half Time:  Shildon AFC  3  Ashington  0

In the 2nd half Paul Connor replaced Lewis Wing and he helped himself to a hat-trick, scoring in the 63rd, 76th, and 86th minute. Just after the hour Micky Rae made it 5 – 0 crashing the ball into the roof of the net.

On 75 minutes Ashington got a consolation goal with a deflected free kick by Kyle Downey.

Near the end Anthony Bell raced clear and beat keeper Conor Grant.

Final Score:  Shildon AFC  8  Ashington  1

Goalscorers:  wood 4, Moore 14, Greulich-Smith 39, Connor 63, 76, 86, Rae 64, Bell 88.

Subs:  Connor for Wood 53, Rae for Dodds 56, Doninger for Wing 64.

Man-of-the-Match:  The whole team.

After the game manager Gary Forrest said “It’s a great night for this football club and for the town of Shildon. Everyone can be proud of all the player, who are worthy winners of the league title this year. Tonight was the icing on the cake”.