Season: 2025-26
2025/26 Northern League Division 1
Shildon vs Longridge Town FC
MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY (edited by Michael Wilson)
Shildon Storm Past Longridge in Second-Half Surge
Shildon AFC overcame torrential conditions to deliver a dominant second-half performance and secure a 3–0 victory over Longridge Town. After a tightly contested first half, the Railwaymen found their stride with goals from Billy Greulich-Smith and Tom Price sealing the win.
In the first halft both sides battled bravely against the elements, creating chances but failing to convert. The opening 45 minutes saw missed opportunities at both ends, with the scoreline remaining goalless at the break.
Shildon came out firing after the interval, with Luke Spalding’s pace and movement causing havoc down the flanks. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Billy Greulich-Smith rose highest to head into the top corner.
Just three minutes later, Greulich-Smith doubled the lead, bundling the ball past the keeper after a slick move down the left. Longridge threatened on the counter, but goalkeeper Kieran Hunter stood firm, making two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. In added time, Tom Price capped off the performance with a composed finish to make it 3–0 and put the result beyond doubt.
A well-deserved win for Shildon, marked by a resilient team effort and a clinical second-half display. The result keeps momentum building as the squad continues to impress both ‘home’ and away.
Attendance: 158
3 vs 0 
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
3 vs 4 Shildon vs Witton Albion FC
Attendance: 200
0 vs 3 
Witton Albion FC vs Shildon
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
3 vs 3 