We took a look at the Railwaymen in our latest instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’
Redcar Athletic return to Northern League action in tough fashion, as fifth-placed and resurgent Shildon visit Green Lane.
The Railwaymen suffered a poor start to the season, but snatched a spot in the playoffs last weekend, drawing praise and applause from the Steelmen boss, Carl Jarrett.
WHO ARE YA?
Shildon
Formed in 1890 as Shildon Town, the Railwaymen burned through a number of mergers, and temporarily folded, before the inception of the Shildon AFC that exists today.
After a short stint in the semi-professional game, Shildon joined the Northern League, wining a commendable four successive titles before the Second World War, a record only over-hauled by Blyth Spartans in 1984.
Still, their greatest success has come in the past three seasons, as a points-per-game promotion saw the Railwaymen grace Step Four on the English footballing pyramid for the first time in 2021.
Back in the Northern League as of the 2023/24 campaign, Shildon still ply their trade at the historic Dean Street Stadium.
The long-standing home of the Railwaymen, the doors to the so-called J Denham Metals Stadium – and its impressive grandstand – opened in 1923.
The ground has undergone some hefty change since, with a new main stand erected on the opposite side of the pitch, but the gradure of its original structure remains intact to this day.
CURRENT FORM
After a poor start to the campaign, Shildon are most certainly now the force to be reckoned with that was expected.
The Railwaymen have one all but one of their last nine games, including victories over Stockton Town and Boro Rangers, the lone blot coming at Birtley Town in October.
Redcar come into this afternoon’s contest on the back of a dramatic North Riding Senior Cup win, but two successive league defeats.
A trip to Darlington Road offered the most recent disappointment, whilst Easington Colliery last upset the Steelmen’s previously infallible home record.
SHILDON 1-2 REDCAR ATHLETIC
Late dramatics settled the affair when the two sides met at Dean Street earlier in the season.
ONE-TO-WATCH
Andrei Vasille-Ardelean
We could have picked many a player to highlight from the Railwaymen’s impressive ranks, but from pure, painful history, we’ve gone for Andrei Ardelean.
The forward just has that knack of finding the net when up against the Steelmen, whether in the colours of Tow Law Town, Whitley Bay, or Shildon.
FINDING GREEN LANE
Joining us at home today? You can find Green Lane off the Redcar Coast Road at TS10 3RW. Remember to bring a toy for The Teesside Charity’s Christmas Toy Appeal!
REDCAR ATHLETIC 0-3 SHILDON
A bad day at the office when the two side’s last met at Green Lane.
PRE-MATCH MEDIA
Carl Jarrett discussed a ‘blip’ in Redcar’s league form as he assessed a ‘tough’ Shildon side.
READ MORE
Carl Jarrett: Post-Match Reaction – Whitby Town (a)
The boss spoke to Ash Stone following a six-goal stalemate with Whitby Town.
Match Report: Whitby Town 3-3 Redcar Athletic
Our report as the Steelmen drew in the sunshine at the Towbar Express Stadium.
Young defender Mitchell Parkinson pens deal with Redcar Athletic
The young defender becomes the latest addition to Carl Jarrett’s squad.
