Tag: The Railwaymen

Durham Challenge Cup defence gets underway

by Archie MacKay

Shildon’s defence of the County Cup gets underway tonight as they visit Ashbrooke Belford House in the First Round of the tournament they won last season for the first time in over 40 years.

Two late Billy Greulich-Smith goals in the final against Spennymoor, the second in injury time, saw the Durham Challenge Cup hoisted by the Railwaymen for the first time in a generation.

If ever the old cliche of “their name was written on the cup” could be said to be true, it was surely Shildon’s name on this cup last season.

The side had to negotiate extra time in each of the first three rounds, surviving a penalty shoot-out at Norton in the first round in which Keith Finch had to save two penalties to keep Shildon in the tournament and avoid a humiliating early exit. His display was later rewarded with the Performance of the Season Award from the Supporters Club.

Further extra time wins against Seaham Red Star and Dunston were followed by a comfortable 3-1 home win against Consett in the semi-final to set up that now famous summer showdown against Spennymoor at Billingham Synthonia.

Tonight’s opponents play in the Wearside league at Silksworth Park in Sunderland. The club currently lies 10th in the Wearside League with 20 points from their 17 games played. They enter this tie on the back of two away wins in the league where they have scored seven and conceded two.

Admission to tonight’s match is just £3 adults and £1 concessions. Kick off is 7.30pm. Directions to the ground and a clickable map can be found here.

FA Vase – Preview

by Archie MacKay

After the disappointment of Wednesday night’s FA Cup exit, Shildon re-join the road to Wembley on Saturday with an FA Vase away day at Colne FC of the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

The Railwaymen’s opponents sit mid table in their division but have won their last three matches in a row, all away from home: two in the league and one in the cup, including a 5-1 win over fourth placed AFC Liverpool.

Less than 20 years old, the Reds, as they are nicknamed, were established in 1996 and play at the Holt House Stadium in Colne, Lancashire, a ground previously used by Colne Dynamoes who progressed to the highest levels of non-league football before folding in 1990.

The club’s largest home attendance of 1,742 came in an FA Vase Semi-final replay against AFC Sudbury in 2004 which the Reds lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the match. The club’s average attendance last season was 95.

So far this season the club has progressed through the qualifying rounds by defeating two Northern League sides in Penrith and Heaton Stannington, so the Railwaymen, who are joint favourites in the tournament, will need to be on form to ensure they are not the Lancashire side’s third Northern League scalp this season.

While Shildon will still be hurting from Wednesday’s FA Cup loss, Colne will know that the Railwaymen will want to take their frustrations out on the NWC side, and Shildon will be in no mood for an early exit from the competition. Billy Greulich-Smith remains a doubt for the game, but otherwise, Shildon should have a full compliment to choose from.

The match kicks off at the Holt House Stadium at 3pm and there are some places remaining on the supporters bus for anyone wishing to travel. The coach leaves the car park behind the George pub at 9.30am on Saturday. To enquire about seats, call 07784 975451.

Seven up Shildon march on in FA Cup

Shildon ensured their progression in the FA Cup with a seven goal thrashing of local rivals Crook Town on Saturday.

A hat trick from man of the match Micky Rae (pictured scoring his first and Shildon’s second) was complemented by goals from Adam Rundle, Ben Wood, Mark Hudson and a late own goal to cap Crook’s miserable day but leave Shildon in seventh heaven.

Shildon will now travel south to take on Padiham of the Evo-Stick North, who were beaten 0-2 in their opening league match at home by Spennymoor Town on the same afternoon.

The Supporters Club is already taking names on a first come first served basis for the coach journey to cheer the lads on in the next round. Traditionally seats fill up very quickly, so get in touch by calling 07784 975451 as soon as possible to book your passage to Padiham on Saturday 30th August – just a fortnight away.

SHILDON: Finch, Harwood, Richardson (Emms), Hudson, Craddock, Atkin, Moore, Rundle, Rae, Wood (Garvie), Ruddy (Greulich-Smith). SUBS (not used): Brackstone, Hodgson, Taylor, Connor.

Photo: Tom Clegg

Shildon 1-3 Hamilton Academical

Two goals in the final nine minutes and two penalties were the difference between the sides as Shildon took on Scottish Premiership opposition at Dean Street. The Railwaymen took the lead through Paul Connor and almost held on to it until half time but a 45th minute penalty, converted by Jason Scotland, brought the visitors back into the game. Shildon received an intense lesson in defending in the second half and held out until late in the game, but two goals in the final nine minutes, including another penalty, gave the top flight Scottish side a deserved but hard fought victory.

Tom Clegg took the photos, available below and on flickr.

[fsg_gallery id=”31″]