Birtley Town vs Shildon

Recap

Birtley Town remain in The FA Cup thanks to a 2-2 draw against Shildon AFC with Charlie Armin scoring a magnificent late equaliser. 

The Hoops gave full debuts to Charlie Armin and new goalkeeper Max Campbell with Reece Harrison and James Proctor returning to the starting eleven. It was Shildon who started the better of the two sides with Greulich-Smith missing an early header before the ever dangerous Luke Spalding fired wide. Birtley had their first chance when a Scott Heslop lay off found Reece Harrison, his effort was well blocked. From the resulting corner both Proctor and Marley had opportunities to score but Shildon defended well.

It was Shildon who struck first on 14 minutes. A loose pass from Reece Harrison was intercepted by Luke Spalding who played a brilliant through ball to Andrei Ardelean. Ardelean who had ghosted through the Birtley midfield and defence then coolly slotted below Max Campbell. Birtley however were soon back on level terms within five minutes. Matty Ward turned on the left before switching play to James Proctor, Proctor then cut inside of the full back and slotted the ball beautifully into the bottom corner.

Campbell made his first big save on 22 minutes as he denied Greulich-Smith from close range. Heslop then forced Wheeler into a smart save from the edge of the area. Ciaran Banks’ set-piece was well saved by Campbell as both sides pushed for the lead before half-time. 

HALF TIME | BIRTLEY TOWN 1-1 SHILDON AFC

Birtley started the second-half with their best spell of the game. Charlie Armin had a header go narrowly wide before Matthew Ward was denied. It was Shildon who were to regain the advantage. Despite calls for a foul on Jack Honour, a corner was awarded to The Railwaymen with Thomas Price reacting first when the ball fell in the six yard area. 

As Birtley pushed for an equaliser, the biggest chance fell to Matthew Ward. Scott Heslop was played in and rounded the keeper before firing the ball towards Ward. Ward, who was caught in-between two minds, was unable to beat the defender on the line and eventually the ball was cleared by Shildon. Moments later, Birtley thought they had a penalty but the referee waved play-on as Ward was tackled in the area. 

With the game opening up and chances falling to both sides, Birtley managed to score the illusive equaliser in teh third minute of injury time. The Hoops had had a series of corners before Reece Harrison’s ball was delivered to the edge of the box where it was nodded down into the path of Charlie Armin. Armin took one touch to steady himself before unleashing a wonderful dipping effort that nestled into the bottom corner from 25 yards out. Armin opening his Birtley account on his FA Cup debut.

The drama wasn’t finished there, Max Campbell produced a brilliant save to deny Shildon from winning the tie. In the dying seconds it was Armin again who found himself free at the back post but his header went narrowly wide. The final whistle brought some heated exchanges between Birtley players and the travelling Shildon supporters with both sides now destined to meet again in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday evening. 

FULL TIME | BIRTLEY TOWN 2-2 SHILDON AFC

Attendance – 174 including a sizeable following from Shildon. 

Player of the Match – A tireless and brilliant midfield display from Kyle Wharton

FA CUP HISTORY (at Birtley Town)
P6 W3 D0 L3 GF11 GA15

UP NEXT…

The Hoops will face Shildon AFC again in a replay on Tuesday. Kick-off is 7.30pm at Crook Town.