Damage in the Box!: SHILDON AFC (Dean Street)

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.