For the first time this season, we’re back at the Daren Persson Stadium, for a league match against last season’s runner up, Shildon AFC.
Like I just mentioned, Shildon finished in second place last season, and they looked to be the favourites to win the playoffs, seeing as they had a 19-point gap on third placed Whitley Bay. They were the only team to really challenge Guisborough for the title, and it was just assumed they would follow them up the leagues, but with 1000 fans in attendance for the playoff final, they fell short on the day and and lost 2-1 to West Auckland Town.
Shildon have got off to a mixed start this season. After being on the wrong side of a five-goal thriller, and losing 3-2 to our long standing rivals Whitley Bay, they went on to beat the league favourites Bishop Auckland 2-0 away from home, which is a really good result.
Shildon have strengthened up top over the summer. After losing Alfie Marriot to Blyth Town, they welcomed Jack Blackford back to the club from Bishop Auckland, they also signed Alfie Steel from last season’s playoff winners West Auckland Town. As far as I’m aware, danger man Andrei-Vasile Ardelean is still at the club, but hasn’t featured this season.
North Shields come off the back of their first win of the season, beating Northallerton Town by a comfortable four goals to nil. It wasn’t easy in the first half, as it was an even game with both teams having some really great chances. When the second half kicked off and Shields had the wind on their side, they became more dangerous, and you guessed it would only be a matter of time before they scored.
And then with the first, came the second and the third, and then in stoppage time, the fourth.
Although the pitch was quite dry and bobbly, the Robins utilised the holding up abilities of Dan Wilson to play up the pitch, limiting the amount of time the ball spent on the floor during transitions.
It’s sure top be a blockbuster occasion with a great attendance tonight, so come on down if you’re free, and if you’re already planning on coming down, thank you very much for all of your support.
HOWAY THE ROBINS!
MATCH DETAILS
North Shields FC vs Shildon AFC
EBAC Northern League Division One – MW4
Tuesday 4th August
7:30pm Kick Off
Daren Persson Stadium, Silkey’s Lane, North Shields, NE29 0SS.
Concessions – £8/£5/£2
