Shildon AFC’s remarkable turnaround after an unconvincing start to the season has seen them rewarded with top spot at the turn of the year.
Although the festive schedule was limited by the weather, the side collected six points from their two fixtures, including a statement 0-5 away win at then second-place Blyth Town with all five goals coming in the first half.
Luke Spalding got the goal fest underway in the 7th minute before Jon Weirs (27), Nathan Goodwood (38) and Adam Lennox (40, 45+1) made certain of maximum points with half the game still to play.
The win was followed up on Boxing Day with a 3-1 victory over local rivals, West Auckland Town.
A double by veteran striker, Billy Greulich-Smith (2, 75) sandwiched a 70th minute penalty from Lennox and ensured maximum points after James Harrison’s 30th minute equaliser.
The Railwaymen are yet to kick a ball in anger in 2025 after the weekend’s return match against West and midweek’s Durham Challenge Cup semi-final against Hebburn Town were postponed due to a snow covered and frozen pitch.
The Challenge Cup tie has been re-arranged for Tuesday 21 January at Dean Street with kick-off 7:30pm.
In player news, the club has agreed a contract with prolific striker, Adam Lennox which commits him to Shildon until the end of the 25/26 season.
Lennox, who joined the club in October, has scored 17 goals in just 14 appearances.
Manager Chris Hughes, said: “Adam joined us at a time when we were struggling for results and for player availability.
Since he arrived he, as well as the rest of the squad, has helped us get back on track this season.
“We look forward to working with Adam over the next few years and seeing him develop alongside the rest of the team.”
Meanwhile, defender, Jack Vaulks has been made available for transfer. Interested parties are invited to contact manager Chris Hughes by email at: christopher.hughes[@]live[.]co[.]uk.
This weekend, weather permitting, Shildon will host West Allotment Celtic in a league match at Dean Street before welcoming Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday evening.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
