Shildon manager Gary Forrest says that the Railwaymen must approach the second leg of their semi final against Tunbridge Wells sensibly.

Shildon are two goals behind going into one of the biggest ever games in Dean Street’s history, but Forrest wants his players to maintain their composure as they try to clinch a place at Wembley and possibly set up an all Northern League final.

“It’s a big task, but I really believe that we can do it. The lads are confident, they believe in themselves and they know that they’re capable of scoring goals. We’ve seen what Tunbridge Wells are like, and we have an idea of what their strengths and weaknesses are.

“Our first objective is to get Tunbridge Wells into extra time, and if we can do that, then who knows what can happen.

“We mustn’t rush into things and possibly cause ourselves a problem by leaving ourselves open at the back. If they don’t score, we can score one in the 43rd minute or whenever, and another in the second half. The first goal doesn’t need to be in the first ten minutes. If we do score in the first 20 minutes, then fantastic, but there’s no need to panic. The time to panic will be in the last 20 minutes if we haven’t scored by then.

“People are saying that if we concede, then we’re out. Why is that different? We’ve won many a game by 3-1 in the last few seasons. This season, we’ve played 40 games, won 26 of them, and 18 of them by two or more goals – so in other words, we’ve won nearly 50 per cent of our games by a two goal margin. So it’s far from being an impossible task.”

There has been plenty of debate about the condition of the Culverden pitch last week, but the indications are that the Dean Street surface should be in a reasonably good condition after plenty of work by the groundstaff during the last few days.

“I’m hoping that the pitch is flat and in good condition unlike last week. If it is good, then we’ll be able to get the ball down and pass it around in our usual style. We just couldn’t do that at all last week, the ball kept sticking. And if Tunbridge Wells come along and match us on a decent pitch, then fair do’s to them if they go through.”

Former Hartlepool striker Billy Greulich-Smith, and another striker, Ben Wood, will both be added to the squad after recovering from injury, which means that Forrest will have 16 players to choose from, more than in previous weeks.

Forrest has decided not to gather the players together on the morning of the game, and instead has told them to report 90 minutes before kick off.

“I don’t think taking them away to a hotel and having a pre-match meal will do much good. If they sit together, then the game will prey on their minds.

“I really think that the players’ families can be an inspiration, Their parents, wives and children want them to go to Wembley, and will be doing all they can to encourage them. I don’t know what more I can say to them that I haven’t said already, in a hotel on the morning of the game.”

The club are hoping that the fans turn out in force and pack the ground for their biggest gate for many a year, even more than their FA Cup gates of around 1,500 ten years ago. Certainly with Spennymoor not kicking off until 5.30, there is a golden opportunity for fans to watch both ties.

“The big thing is that the people of Shildon turn out and get behind us. It is a big game for the community, it gets people talking, and it gives the town a real buzz.

“I know that the team got through to the first round of the FA Cup at Notts County ten years ago, but the opportunity to get through and play at Wembley is completely different. The club and the town might never get another chance, especially if the final is moved away from Wembley in the future.

“We want the fans to be the twelfth man. We want them to encourage us all the way through the game, especially when things might not be going well. The more noise in our favour, then the better.”

Admission to the game is £7 adults, with £5 for concessions. Fans are advised to arrive at the ground early to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.