Shildon AFC bounced back from defeat to league leaders, Whitley Bay by progressing in the FA Vase and following that by getting back on track with a late winner in their midweek league encounter at Birtley Town, reports Wilf Tray.
Given the terrible weekend weather conditions, Shildon and Longridge Town served up a very good game of football in the FA Vase Second Round Qualifying at Crook Town’s Sir Tom Cowie Millfield stadium.
It had originally been hoped the tie could be hosted at Dean Street, but with the renovations not quite ready, it looks like Thornaby will be the first visitors to play on the new surface on Saturday 4 October.
After an even first half in which both sides missed chances, Shildon ultimately proved too strong for their opponents with a very good second half performance.
With Luke Spalding causing problems with his pace, Shildon created numerous chances, and in the 54th minute got the breakthrough when Billy Greulich-Smith headed into the top corner.
It only took another three minutes for Shildon to double their lead when, after a good move down the left, the veteran striker bagged his and Shildon’s second, bundling the ball past the keeper.
Shildon continued to press forward but had to be wary as the visitors looked very dangerous on the break and home goalkeeper, Kiaran Hunter had to make a couple of good saves.
However, the Railwaymen continued to take the game to the visitors and made the tie safe when Tom Price got the third in added time.
It was a confidence boosting win ahead of the side’s Tuesday evening visit to Birtley.
And it was Shildon who took the lead midway through the first half of that game with Ben Reay opening the scoring.
However, the hosts fought back and levelled the match through Liam Thear on the hour.
But just as it looked like the scoring would end there, up popped Luke Spalding to win it for the Railwaymen at the death.
Shildon rise to fifth in the table ahead of this weekend’s trip to bottom side, Whickham and find themselves back to six points behind the leaders with two games in hand after Whitley Bay’s unbeaten record fell at Guisborough.
After the weekend’s game, Shildon have a free midweek as they prepare to return to Dean Street and its new 4G surface the following Saturday.
Meanwhile, Shildon will travel to Manchester on Saturday 18 October, where they have been drawn to face Irlam FC of the North West Counties League Premier Division in the First Round Proper of the FA Vase.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
