Durham United fielded a very young side in Saturday’s FA Vase tie, and the term ‘men against boys’ has never been more appropriate as Shildon cruised to an easy 8-1 victory, reports Wilf Tray.
Shildon took the lead in the second minute when Luke Spalding curled a shot into the top corner. The young defence then held out until the 20th minute when Andrei Ardelaen put Shildon two up.
New signing Alfie Marriott got a debut goal on the half hour before Luke Spalding notched his second.
Two more from Ardelaen completed his hat-trick, and the sides went in at the interval with the score at 6-0.
Half-time substitute, Billy Greulich-Smith recorded his first goal of the season to make it seven, and Luke Spalding completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot on 71 minutes.
Shildon were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet when Thomas Boothroyd scored a consolation for Durham in the final minute.
Shildon will play Longridge Town in the next round at a home venue that is yet to be decided.
It was back to league action on Tuesday night as the Railwaymen travelled to Northallerton and maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a narrow 0-1 win at the Calvert Stadium.
Sam Hodgson’s spectacular long distance free-kick from inside his own half found the back of the net in the 78th minute to snatch the victory and move Shildon up to fifth place in the table, having played fewer games than all sides above them.
And there could be a further gap to bridge after the weekend’s games as Shildon return to FA Cup duty, travelling to Northwich in Cheshire to take on Witton Albion of the Northern Premier League West in the First Qualifying Round.
Then it’s a return to the Northern League and a trip to take on Easington Colliery at the Welfare Park, kicking off at 7.30pm next Wednesday.
Wilf Tray
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
