The curtain may have only just fallen on the 2013-14 season, but Shildon are already well ahead in their preparations for next season.

The club’s pre-season friendlies – subject to any changes – have now been finalised and include a prestigious friendly against Scottish League side, Stranraer FC. Midweek games are expected to kick off at 7.30pm, unless otherwise indicated, while weekend games will kick off at 3pm.

The fixtures list – subject to any changes – is:

Saturday 12th July: Shildon begin their pre-season fixtures with a visit to Tow Law.

On Wednesday 15th July Shildon will travel to Blyth to taken on the Spartans, who play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Friday 18th July: In a return friendly, Shildon will welcome Scottish League One side Stranraer to Dean Street for our first home friendly of the season.

On Monday 21st, the Railwaymen are on their travels again to visit Northern League bound, Ryhope Colliery Welfare.

Wednesday 23rd sees an opportunity for the lads to add to their trophy cabinet when the winners of the Durham Challenge Cup will meet Guisborough Town, the winners of the North Riding Cup, to play for the Eric Powles Trophy. The match will take place at Guisborough Town’s King George V Stadium.

On Friday 25th July, Scottish Junior league side (the Juniors are the Scottish equivalent of the English non-league system) Tayport FC will be visiting Dean Street.

The Railwaymen will return home to welcome Heaton Stannington to Dean Street on Wednesday 30th July.

Finally, on Friday 1st August is the annual John Hay Memorial Trophy which will again be played at Seaham Red Star this year. Shildon lifted the inaugural trophy last season.

The 2014-15 season is expected to get underway on Saturday 9th August.