As Shildon AFC pack their travel kits again for another two weeks on the road, the break in games at Dean Street has provided an opportunity for some aeration work on the pitch, which has been carried out by Beaumont Landscapes.
The work is being undertaken while the Railwaymen spend over a month on the road and ahead of their next home game on 19 March which will be against the current league leaders, Marske United.
With the league comprising an odd number of clubs, Shildon have also been on an enforced break, but return to league action this Saturday at second from bottom Sheffield FC.
Their weekend opponents inadvertently assisted the Railwaymen last Saturday by holding play-off rivals, Stockton Town to a score draw with a late Ben Turner equaliser.
Founded in October 1857, the Sheffield club claims to be recognised by FIFA as the oldest existing club still playing football in the world.
Shildon’s play-off hopes were further boosted as Cleethorpes Town in third place and Worksop Town in sixth also lost their weekend matches, albeit they played the top two.
With just eight games left in the regular season the next two weekends could prove pivotal in Shildon’s play-off bid.
As Cleethorpes sit it out this week, Shildon could leapfrog them into third spot on goal difference with a two-goal victory and could potentially draw further clear of Stockton as they take on title contenders, Liversedge.
After Saturday, the Railwaymen remain on the road, heading for Tadcaster on 12 March where the fans will undoubtedly be planning an encounter with The Brewers both on and off the pitch given the ground’s location next door to the John Smith’s brewery.
That same weekend, Shildon’s play-off rivals Cleethorpes and Stockton will also clash.
Meanwhile, back at Dean Street, work continues to develop apace off the pitch as contractors remain on site building the community garden and the new changing rooms.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
