The Railwaymen under wraps in our latest instalment of ‘The Lowdown.’
Redcar Athletic return to Northern League action against title-unfortunates, Shildon, a tough encounter days on from a bitter Emirates FA Cup exit.
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
A ruthless battering of Seaham Red Star at the weekend, well-fancied Shildon welcome the Steelmen to Dean Street on hot form.
Second only to Bishop Auckland last season – and dumped out of the playoffs – the Railwaymen’s new pursuit of the title faltered within weeks against the unstoppable Boro Rangers, victory over Northallerton steering Chris Hughes’ men back on course.
Redcar Athletic are on the earlier end of such a dip, albeit in the Emirates FA Cup, forced to seek a response this evening to a first defeat of the competitive season.
SHILDON 1-1 REDCAR ATHLETIC
A first meeting between the two sides ended honours even at Dean Street.
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.
With three goals in what has been of the season, Ardelean will no doubt look to add to his tally this evening.
FINDING THE J DENHAM METALS STADIUM
Joining us at Dean Street this evening? Use the postcode DL4 1EZ to find the ground, and park respectfully in the local vicinity.
REDCAR ATHLETIC 0-3 SHILDON
A bad day at the office when the two side’s last met at Green Lane.
PRE-MATCH MEDIA
Kevin Burgess took on the pre-match presser, telling Ash Stone of his desire to bounce back from defeat to Pontefract.
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