It’s all come down to this. Whickham are just 90 minutes away from lifting silverware as they prepare to face Shildon AFC in the final of the Durham FA Frank Pattison Challenge Cup.
The Lang Jacks will be hoping to go one step further after a 3-0 defeat to West Auckland Town in last year’s final.
Matchday Information
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland SR5 1SU
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Kick-off: 7:30 pm
Tickets
The Frank Pattison Challenge Cup tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £8 for under 16s and are available to purchase here.
For more information regarding tickets, please visit the following link: https://whickhamfc.com/2025/03/13/durham-challenge-cup-final-tickets-on-sale/
Team News
Cameron Brewis has trained ahead of the final with the Lang Jacks expected to have a similar squad to what was available to manager Tony Fawcett against Marske United a week ago.
The Road to the Final
Whickham
The Lang Jacks defeated Boldon CA 3-0 in the first round before another 3-0 victory, this time against Spennymoor Town, saw Whickham into the quarter-finals.
A third consecutive 3-0 win against Birtley Town set up a semi-final against FC Hartlepool, which the Lang Jacks won 3-1.
Shildon AFC
Shildon progressed into the second round following a 4-1 win over Silksworth CW. The Railway Men then travelled to Stockton Town in round two and advanced following a 3-1 win over the Anchors.
The quarter-finals saw Shildon ease into the last four after a 4-0 win away to West Auckland Town.
Tuesday night’s opponents then beat Hebburn Town 4-1 at home to set up a final against the Lang Jacks.
What The Lang Jacks Are Saying
Whickham Manager Tony Fawcett said: “The lads always train well. The vibe is always good, they’re a good group.
“They probably haven’t gotten some of the results they deserved at times, and when you’re down at the bottom, it tends to go against you.
“We had a good performance against Shildon in the league not long ago, where we had 10-men. So, the lads are optimistic, and we’re confident we can put in a good performance.”
On what a win would mean to the team on Tuesday, he said: “It would mean everything. I know this is the second season that Whickham has got to the final, and Lee done fantastic getting them there last year.
“Ultimately, though, we’re here again now, and to win a trophy and put it behind the bar would be massive. There are a lot of people at the club who I’ve got a lot of respect for, and I’d love to do it for them.
“I’d also love to see the lads lift it for themselves, They’re the ones that go out 42 times a season plus cup games and train twice a week and give up a lot of their lives for the football. I know we love it, but it’s tough at times, especially for the younger lads with families.”
The Opposition
Shildon have enjoyed a fine season, as they currently sit second in the Northern League Division One table.
The Railway Men are 10 points ahead of third-placed Newcastle Blue Star and only three points behind league leaders Redcar Athletic.
However, with only one league game remaining and an inferior goal difference of 30, it looks like Shildon will have to go through the play-offs if they are to achieve promotion.
Players to Watch
Whickham
Mason Hardy has nine goals to his name in the Northern League Division One this season, including a hat-trick in the Lang Jacks 5-0 home win over Whitley Bay last month.
Hardy has also been on the scoresheet against Shildon this season when he scored in the Whickham’s 3-2 win over the Railway Men in August.
Shildon AFC
Adam Lennox has scored 22 goals for the Railway men this season, including Shildon’s fourth in their 4-2 win over the Lang Jacks in January.
Lennox also scored twice in Shildon’s 3-0 win over Birtley Town at the weekend.
Last Time Out
The two sides last met at the First Mortgage Glebe in January, with Shildon leaving with all three points.
Jordan Lavery was dismissed in the 28th minute, before Whickham took the lead through Robbie Little six minutes before half time.
The away side equalised in first-half stoppage time through Billy Greulich-Smith. Nathan Greenwood then gave Shildon the lead in the 50th minute before Finn Neary squared the game once more.
Greenwood instantly regained Shildon’s lead before Adam Lennox sealed the 4-2 win in the 73rd minute.
Match Coverage
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Written By Callum Jacques
