Crook Town vs Shildon

Shildon vs Longridge Town FC

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

Shildon Storm Past Longridge in Second-Half Surge

Shildon AFC overcame torrential conditions to deliver a dominant second-half performance and secure a 3–0 victory over Longridge Town. After a tightly contested first half, the Railwaymen found their stride with goals from Billy Greulich-Smith and Tom Price sealing the win.

In the first halft both sides battled bravely against the elements, creating chances but failing to convert. The opening 45 minutes saw missed opportunities at both ends, with the scoreline remaining goalless at the break.

Shildon came out firing after the interval, with Luke Spalding’s pace and movement causing havoc down the flanks. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Billy Greulich-Smith rose highest to head into the top corner.

Just three minutes later, Greulich-Smith doubled the lead, bundling the ball past the keeper after a slick move down the left. Longridge threatened on the counter, but goalkeeper Kieran Hunter stood firm, making two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. In added time, Tom Price capped off the performance with a composed finish to make it 3–0 and put the result beyond doubt.

A well-deserved win for Shildon, marked by a resilient team effort and a clinical second-half display. The result keeps momentum building as the squad continues to impress both ‘home’ and away.

Attendance: 158

3 vs 0

Shildon vs Witton Albion FC

Attendance: 200

0 vs 3

Shildon vs Birtley Town

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

Shildon Hit Five in Second-Half Blitz to Sink Birtley Town

Shildon produced a ruthless second-half display to sweep past Birtley Town and book their place in the next round against Witton Albion FC

Despite dominating the first half, Shildon were repeatedly denied by Birtley’s teenage goalkeeper Max Campbell, who carried his fine form from Saturday’s clash into the replay. The young shot-stopper pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep the Railwaymen at bay, ensuring the sides went in level at the break.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute when Andrei Ardelean reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, slotting home to give Shildon a deserved lead. But the advantage was short-lived — just two minutes later, a misjudged clearance from Ciaran Banks saw the ball sliced into his own net, handing Birtley a lifeline.

What followed was a devastating 12-minute spell that blew the visitors away. Defender Gary Brown scored from close range, before Luke Spalding, Jon Weirs, and Ben Reay each found the net in quick succession, turning a tense affair into a commanding 5–1 lead.

Shildon continued to press and could have added more, but it was Birtley who had the final say — Alex Francis netting a late consolation in the 90th minute.

It was a performance full of attacking intent and resilience from Shildon, who now turn their attention to the FA Vase and a fixture against Durham United FC.

Attendance: 192

5 vs 2