Newtown Industrial Estate, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 2QW

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

Last-Gasp Glory as Shildon Edge Birtley Town in Dramatic Finish

Shildon left it late but ultimately claimed a well-earned three points on Tuesday night, snatching a 2–1 victory over Birtley Town thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Luke Spalding.

It was a night of near misses and mounting frustration for the Railwaymen, who rattled the woodwork five times and squandered a string of golden opportunities. Ben Reay, Andrei Ardelaen, and Billy Greulich-Smith all went close early on before Reay finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, racing clear and slotting coolly into the corner.

Birtley responded with a spirited spell before the interval but failed to seriously test Shildon keeper Kiaran Hunter. Shildon had a strong penalty appeal waved away early in the second half, and Ardelaen blazed over when clean through as the chances continued to pile up.

The hosts found their equaliser on the hour mark, Liam Thear rising to nod past Hunter and set up a tense finale. Shildon threw everything forward in the dying stages, and just when it looked like their profligacy might prove costly, Spalding delivered the killer blow in the 92nd minute, rifling home to spark jubilant celebrations.

The win lifts Shildon to fifth in the table, with games in hand on all four sides above them. Next up: a trip to botom club Whickham on Saturday, where the Railwaymen will look to keep their momentum rolling.

Attendance: 162

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

Late Equaliser Denies Visitors in Hard-Fought Cup Tie

Shildon were left ruing a last-minute equaliser as they battled to a 2–2 draw against Birtley Town in a gritty cup encounter played on a rock-hard, unforgiving surface.

With injuries, suspensions, and several key absentees disrupting their lineup, Shildon faced an uphill challenge from the outset. Despite the conditions, the visitors struck first when Andrei Ardelaen coolly finished in the 14th minute, capping off a lively opening spell that saw chances at both ends.

Birtley responded midway through the half, levelling the score with a well-taken effort that sent the sides into the break all square.

Shildon dominated possession after the restart and regained the lead when Tom Price rifled home from close range following a corner, giving the Railwaymen a deserved advantage. They looked set to progress until the dying moments, when Birtley snatched a dramatic equaliser with a long-range strike that left the visitors stunned.

Speaking after the match, Shildon coach David Pounder reflected on the result: “We probably edged it in terms of chances, but given the circumstances, a draw might be a fair outcome.”

Attendance – 174