Shildon AFC completed their five-match pre-season friendly fixture list with a 4-2 away win at Newcastle Blue Star last Friday evening. The series of matches throughout July combined a mix of testing opposition from higher leagues and Northern League opposition from the Second Division.
Wins at Thornaby (1-2) and a 5-2 home win over Billingham Synthonia provide confidence that the current squad are well-equipped for the challenge ahead, while heavy defeats at the hands of Consett (1-6) and South Shields (0-4) will leave the management team of Chris Hughes and David Punder under no illusion that there is plenty of work to be done.
The new season gets underway this weekend, with Shildon travelling to West Allotment Celtic for their opener before hosting Northallerton Town on Tuesday evening, 1 November in a 7.30pm kick off at Dean Street.
The FA Cup begins in earnest the following weekend with Shildon travelling to Newcastle Benfield for a testing Extra Preliminary Round with the prize of another away tie, at either West Auckland or Northallerton.
The draw has also taken place for the First Qualifyone Round of the FA Vase with Shildon this time rewarded with a home tie, against Knaresborough Town on Saturday 26 August. The winner of that tie will again play at home, against either Boldon CA or Steeton Town AFC on 23rd September.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
