FA CUP FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND – REPLAY

MATCH REPORT BY WILF TRAY _{(edited by Michael Wilson)}

Shildon’s FA Cup Run Ends after Cheshire Replay

Shildon AFC bowed out of the FA Cup at the First Qualifying Round stage following a 4-0 defeat away to higher-ranked Warrington Town in their midweek replay.

The Railwaymen faced a difficult start at Cantilever Park, falling behind after just four minutes when Andy Jennison misjudged an inswinging corner from John Doherty, accidentally palming the ball into his own net. Warrington capitalised on their early momentum and doubled their lead two minutes later, finishing off a well-worked move through Jack Goodwin. Shildon’s first-half troubles were compounded on 20 minutes when central defender Tom Price was forced off with an injury, prompting a tactical reshuffle at the back.

Despite the early setbacks, Shildon settled down and held their own for much of the match, competing admirably against opposition from higher up the non-league pyramid. However, as the visitors pushed forward late on in search of a route back into the tie, Warrington caught them on the counter. Goodwin secured his second goal of the evening in the 78th minute to make it three, before Ruben Denton added a fourth in stoppage time.

While the final 4-0 scoreline suggests a dominant evening for the hosts, Shildon showed plenty of heart and effort against tough opposition. The squad now turns its attention to the FA Vase on Saturday with a trip to Lancashire to face Garstang FC.

Attendance: 355