After a goalless home draw on Saturday against Stourbridge in the F.A. Cup, the Railwaymen had the daunting task of a Tuesday night replay in the West Midlands.
Stourbridge, known as the Glassboys, are mid-table in the Evo-Stik Premier League, which is two leagues higher than Shildon. Arriving at the ground only half an hour before the kick off, Shildon had no time to warm up, and with a depleted squad to choose from, Danny Richmond was in the starting line-up. It was an evenly matched affair for the first half hour before Shildon took the lead on 31 minutes when Ben Wood hit a 20-yarder that took a slight deflection into the net. On the break, Wood was clean through but his effort was weak.
Half Time: Stourbridge 0 Shildon 1.
Stourbridge manager Gary Hackett must have had some harsh words at the break as The Glassboys were much better early in the 2nd half, putting Shildon under pressure. In the first 9 minutes keeper Kyle Hayes made great saves from Will Richards, Kayelden Brown and captain Ben Billingham to keep Shildon ahead. On the hour Shildon’s Paul Connor was clean through but keeper Dean Coleman saved with his feet. Shildon weathered the storm and scored a crucial second goal on 73 minutes when Ben Wood turned in a cross from the right from John Brackstone.
Final Score: Stourbridge 0 Shildon 2.
Goalscorers: Wood 31, 73. Bookings: (Y) Wood 44 Subs: Brackstone for Richmond 69, Ruddy for Greulich-Smith 78, Rae for Wood 86. Man-of-the-Match: Daniel Moore.
After the match manager Gary Forrest said, “Considering the circumstances, and the long journey down, I thought every player dug in and had an impact. They were all up for it”. Shildon have been drawn away in the next round at Norton United from Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 25th October.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
