Tag: Celtic Nation

Celtic Nation ENL1 Preview

By Archie MacKay

Almost exactly two months ago, on Wednesday 10th September, Shildon won an entertaining midweek game by the odd goal in five against Division One newcomers, North Shields. It was the last time the Railwayman played a home match in the Northern League.

In the intervening fourteen games, the side has played just four league matches, all of which were on their travels. Tomorrow league action returns at last to Dean Street with last season’s runners up, Celtic Nation, the visitors.

The Cumbrian club have experienced a fairy tale ride like no other non-league side over the past couple of seasons, transforming from rags to riches, only to return equally rapidly to the traditional togs of semi-professional strugglers.

When the club, financed by American-dwelling Scots-Irish multi-millionaire, Frank Lynch failed to capitalise on their cash and star player injection by winning promotion, the money dried up, the club was sold back to former chairman Steve Skinner, players moved on and the hardcore of the club was left to pick up the pieces and build again for this season.

It has proved a testing time for the Nation, who have struggled to come to terms with their fall from superstardom. Forced to rebuild late in the pre-season they currently languish in 18th place in the league but remain capable of causing trouble to any side, as 3rd placed Dunston learned to their cost in midweek.

Shildon could do worse than keep Nation’s 1-0 win on Tuesday night at the forefront of their minds tomorrow as they look to pick up points in their own campaign to win this year’s title; the visitors’ afflictions should not be taken as a guarantee of an easy time for the Railwaymen.

Billy Greulich-Smith remains a doubt as he recovers from an injury sustained at Stourbridge in the FA Cup. Carl Jones has also been recovering from a knock but is close to full fitness. Several members of the squad who have not been featuring recently received a run out in the 4-0 away win in the Durham Challenge Cup in midweek and Chris Emms in particular made a strong case for inclusion this weekend.

Tomorrow also sees Shildon AFC Development Centre’s Under 10s enjoy a matchday experience at Dean Street as special guests of the first team. The youngsters will lead their senior colleagues onto the pitch prior to kick off. Please show them your support.

Kick off tomorrow is at 3pm. Admission is £6 adults, £4 concessions and under 12s are admitted free with a paying adult.

Pressure on opponents says gaffer

Gary Forrest has been talking about the Railwaymen’s upcoming league matches against two of their title rivals, and the pressure is on the opposition, he says.

“On Saturday we visit Celtic Nation for the first of two back to back games against sides challenging us for the league title,” says the Shildon manager.

“If I’m honest all the pressure is on Celtic Nation for this game. They are the team that everyone expects big things of. They are by far the strongest team in the league on paper and, more importantly, if they lose this game they will trail us by 5 points and we will have two games in hand, and that lead could therefore extend to about 9-10 points with Nation having just 12 games remaining.

“If we averaged the same amount of points in our final 12 games as we have for the season to date it would mean that they will have to win every game until the season finishes.

Gary added that the squad is in good spirits, insisting that the league title is the club’s primary aim.

“Our attitude is superb at the minute and I love these big games: it is what the game is all about. There is a great buzz about the place at the minute and the quality of our training is superb.

“I have said since the start of pre-season – despite what the nonleaguezone [online forum] experts claim – that our main objective is to try and win the league this season.

Gary says that the challenge is so great this season that winning the league will be a special achievement for whoever lifts the trophy.

“This is the strongest the league has been for many a season,” he says. “Over the last few years either Spennymoor have dominated or it has been a two horse race. This season there are four fantastic teams challenging for the title and that means there will be 12 games this season that can be classed as six pointers. Last season there were two, but there is more of an equilibrium of budgets this season, with all four sides having strength in depth.

“We have all witnessed West’s demolition of teams two levels higher in the pyramid and Celtic Nation are signing experienced, established players on loan from the likes of Bristol Rovers. I think it is fair to say that any one of the top four would be more than capable of competing at least two levels higher up the pyramid; and it is for the reasons above that I personally believe that this is the most difficult season for many a year to become league champions.

“Whoever comes out on top can proudly boast of a fabulous achievement.”