In front of a large crowd, Shildon AFC went through to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the F.A. Cup after an excellent 1 – 0 home win against Stalybridge Celtic FC from Manchester, who play in the Conference North League.
Shildon were the better side for the whole of the game, and despite the score being 0 – 0 at half time, the Railwaymen could easily have been at least 4 – 1 up at the break.
On 6 minutes Billy Greulich-Smith’s shot was well saved, then Darren Craddock headed downwards and over from 6 yards. Next Ben Wood headed over from a corner and Daniel Moore headed over the bar. They were not set pieces, but two corners. On 36 minutes Micky Rae was put through but keeper Lewis King blocked his shot. On 40 minutes Lee Scroggins fired into the bottom corner but again the keeper made another good stop.
Celtic, on the other hand rarely troubled Shildon’s defence. On 28 minutes No 11 Liam Dickinson’s shot was well blocked by Daniel Moore, then just before the interval an isolated attack saw Anthony Malbon hit the post and No 11 Liam Dickinson fired the rebound into the empty net, only to be ruled off side.
Half Time: Shildon AFC 0 Stalybridge Celtic FC 0.
There were fewer chances in the 2nd half, but Shildon were still the better side and on 59 minutes Billy Gruelich-Smith sprinted between two defenders and fired a left footer into the top corner for a deserved lead.
After the goal, Celtic came more into the game especially down the right hand side, but not really troubling Shildon’s defence. In fact, their only chance of the half was a Nathan Heath header on 82 minutes which went wide.
For Shildon, Micky Rae went close, and Billy, on the back post shot wide. Near the end Ben Wood’s effort was saved by the keeper with his feet.
Final Score: Shildon AFC 1 Stalybridge Celtic FC 0.
Shildon are at home in the next round to Stourbridge FC from the West Midlands, who play in the Northern Premier League, Premier Division. The tie is on Saturday 11th October.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
