Damage in the Box!: Shildon

I was back on the FA Cup trail today with a visit to Shildon, a town that is considered to be "the cradle of the railways" due to the fact it's population grew dramatically when the Stockton and Darlington Railway, who owned the land, established workshops there in the 19th century.

There is a locomotion museum in town and the football club's badge has a train as part of it's design. The club is also nicknamed The Railwaymen.

Dean Street, a 'proper' old town centre ground, is the the home of Shildon and has been since their formation in 1890.

The large main stand was erected in 1923. There is a covered terrace opposite the Main Stand, which is named in memory of former player Lee Hainsworth, who was tragically killed in 2004 on his way to training.

Shildon, who made the first round proper in 2003 when they lost to Notts County, were playing Conference North (step 2) side Altrincham and, in my eyes, this was the stand out tie when the draw was made.

Shildon are currently mid-table in the Northern League (step 5) whilst Altrincham are in a similar position in their league. However just based on their respective leagues, the visitors were clear favourites to move into the next round.

Unfortunately for the Railwaymen that is exactly how it proved. The tie was over as a contest after just 12 minutes as Altrincham went 3-0 up.

A defensive error gifted Damian Reeves a goal after just three minutes before James Lawrie scored from a free kick cross that eluded everyone and found it's way into the net after 7 minutes.

Reeves headed home his second (pictured left) after 12 minutes and the game was effectively over.

Altrincham could have, and should have, extended their lead but as they relaxed, and took their foot off the gas, Shildon did have some decent efforts at goal but it was routine stuff for an experienced 'keeper such as Stuart Coburn.

The second half was pretty much a non-event and Shildon's cause wasn't helped when they went down to 10 men after Lee Chapman was stretchered off and all substitutes had been used.

Reeves had a chance to complete a hat-trick late on but he blasted a penalty high over the crossbar (pictured right). In the end though it was very comfortable for Alty.

Pre-match was spent at the Stanley Jefferson in Bishop Auckland, but as I was driving there was no chance of getting myself in a fine mess!

As is usually the case, another top day in the North East.

Saturday 22nd September 2012

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Shildon 0-3 Altrincham

Attendance: 300 (est)

Consett, dear Consett.

I finally made it to Belle Vue today, and to see an actual game as well, after my previous attempt was called off due to a frozen pitch. This ground has been on the radar for a while, with numerous other hoppers urging me to go and visit this gem.

This grounds days are numbered, as there are plans to move to a new stadium during season 2012/13, so it was with slightly more urgency that I headed north. After all the advice telling me to get up there, I'm happy to report the ground did not disappoint.

Belle Vue is a classic old ground, though it's history is relatively short in ground terms, having been opened in 1950. The two stands that were in the ground were paid for by the transfer of Tommy Lumley to Charlton, but today only one stand remains. This stand is all covered with seats and terracing at the front. You can still see the footings of the old stand, and indeed the terraces in this bowl shaped ground.

Whilst I, and indeed others, thought this ground was fantastic speaking to a club official at the game, they aren't as enamoured as it simply falling apart around them. I think the seats covered in water due to leaks in the roof are testament to that.

He also told me that the ground will be around until at least October, as the new ground is tied into the building of an academy and there is a judicial review on April 16th. If it is found in Consett's favour they are optimistic the new ground will be built (and ready) in 6 months. If it goes against Consett, then it is back to the drawing board.

Today's clash in the Northern League had nothing riding on it as both teams are mid-table after a disappointing season. Consett however are taking the opportunity to build for the future as the starting line up contained no fewer than six teenagers.

It was looking good for the homesters when they took the lead through Ryan King (a 16 year old making his first start) after 30 minutes, when the linesman had deemed his effort to be over the line, but Shildon equalised right on the stroke of half time through a Billy Greulich-Smith header and then The Steelmen completely capitulated in the second half.

Just seconds after the re-start a defensive howler allowed Sam Garvie to run through and give Shildon the lead, after which they never looked back. Further goals from Greulich-Smith (73) and substitute Nichloas Kane (89) made it 4-1 before a penalty deep into stoppage time, well actually the last kick of the game, allowed Greulich-Smith to complete his hat-trick.

The final scoreline was a little harsh on Consett, who in fairness kept going until the end, but there was no arguing Shildon derserved their win. However, both sides will be hoping for better fortunes in the league next season.

Finally, having now been to Belle Vue, I can join the chrous urging people to go and see a game at this ground before it's too late. You will not be disappointed!