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
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