Season 2014/15 - The Final

So the day had finally arrived, the FA Vase Final at Wembley. After nine months and nine rounds of action I arrived at the home of football for what proved to be a classic final between to good sides in Glossop North End and North Shields.

My journey had taken me from Bowers & Pitsea in Essex to Wembley in Middlesex to Brantham Athletic in suffolk then onto Erith and Belvedere in South London, Holbeach United in deepest Lincolnshire and finally to the small village of Highworth near Swindon and then North Shields up near Newcastle.

It’s been an enjoyable journey to the arch of Wembley and I now looked forward to the finale of my trail. 

And so to the final. Who would prevail in the showpiece event in London, here is what happened:-

Glossop North End 1 North Shields 2 (aet) – The Final (at Wembley Stadium), Saturday 9th May 2015

These sides were evenly matched and both felt they could win the Vase so a good battle was expected. However the first chance didn’t arrive until the 12th minute when a header from Glossop went straight at keeper Bannon. On 18 minutes another chance for the Derbyshire side saw a good ball into the Shields box was headed just over the bar.

On 23 minutes the North East side had their first chance when a corner was headed downwards towards the near post but it was beaten away by keeper Hall. Chances though were at a premium as both sides were cancelling each other out as they looked to strike the first blow in this final.

On 34 minutes a corner from Glossop caused a few problems inside the Shields box and after a bit of pin ball ensued the loose ball was poked just over the bar from close range. Any chances that were being created were coming from Glossop and three minutes before the break another decent ball into the Shields area was headed back into the dangerzone but they made a mess of the header and then Shields went down the other end but saw keeper Hall save.

Just before half time came the best chance of the half by miles when Glossop found themselves with a free shot at goal but keeper Bannon saved well with his legs to keep the scoreline at 0-0. It had been a fairly drab first forty five minutes in truth and it was no surprise the scoreline was 0-0 at the break.

Half Time: Glossop North End 0 North Shields 0

Whatever Mr Fenton said to his boys in the dressing room in the break seemed to work as the North East side came out of the traps quickly and three minutes into the half struck the bar from range in what was a close call to the opening goal. Three minutes later another Shields effort saw keeper Hall tip over brilliantly as the Robins looked the likelier to score.

However it was Glossop who were to take the lead nine minutes into the half when the ball was turned across goal for Tom Bailey to taps home from a yard out at the far post to send his team and supporters wild with delight. The game certainly needed a goal and it now had that and the Derbyshire side had the lead.

Glossop had their tails up understandibly and looked like they could add to their goal and on 67 minutes a great ball into the Shields near post saw the ball headed just wide. Shields though didn’t make it through to the final without guts and determination and with just over ten minutes to go they levelled the tie up once again when Gareth Bainbridge, Shields top scorer this season, headed home from close range to send the North East side mad.

It was an emotional day for Bainbridge after losing his father a few months ago and he always said that he would dedicate any goal he scored to him so this was a lovely moment indeed. It also meant Shields were back in with a shout of winning although the only chance ater that came late on when great defensive blocks from the Shield defence denied Glossop and then a resulting corner caused brief panic although this was cleared and the game headed into extra time.

Full Time: Glossop North End 1 North Shields 1

The Attendance at Wembley was 9,674 which is a decent effort from two northern sides and they were certainly making a good noise and the atmosphere was electric. Five minutes into the first period of extra time Shields netted what proved to be the winner when after Morris had gone on a good run down the right his cross was flicked across goal by Bainbridge for Adam Forster to steer past Hall into the net and send the red and white half of Wembley into hysteria.

Glossop had a decent strike on goal on 100 minutes from outside the box but keeper Bannon got down to save fairly comfortably. A minute before the end of the first period of extra time a good ball into the Shields box was volleyed wide and then Glossop’s captain Young went down in the middle of the park causing some concern. He had concussion and was advised to leave the field and play no further part by the docter which sent Young into a rather angry state, it also meant Glossop were down to ten men as they had used all their substitutes.

The second period was very disjointed with several Shields players going down with cramp and although Glossop threw everyone forward in the last few seconds, including keeper Hall, in search of a goal they could not find a way through and so it was North Shields who prevailed and won the FA Vase for 2015. Well done to them.

Full Time (aet): Glossop North End 1 North Shields 2

Glossop North End (4-1-4-1): 1 Greg Hall; 2 Michael Bowler, 3 Matthew Russell, 4 Kelvin Lugsden, 5 Dave Young (c); 6 Martin Parker; 7 Lee Blackshaw, 18 Samuel Hare, 9 Tom Bailey, 11 Eddie Moran; 10 Kieran Lugsden
Substitutes: 12 Daniel White on for Moran, 61; 16 Samuel Grimshaw on for Blackshaw, 69; 15 Samuel Hind on for Hare, 82.
Subs not used: 14 Benjamin Richardson, 17 Richard Gresty

North Shields (4-2-3-1): 19 Christopher Bannon; 22 Stuart Donnison, 3 John Grey, 5 John Parker, 6 Kevin Hughes (c); 4 Michael McKeown, 10 Ben Richardson; 7 Denver Morris, 11 Dean Holmes, 17 James Luccock; 9 Gareth Bainbridge
Substitutes: 20 Ryan Carr on for Luccock, 59; 14 Adam Forster on for Holmes, 69; 8 Kieran Wrightson on for Bainbridge 106.
Subs not used: 2 Curtis Coppen, 12 Marc Lancaster

Attendance: 9,674

Here are some photos of the day:-

So that’s it for my Vase Trail for 2014-2015. In four months I will begin my next adventure with the 2015-16 Vase Trail. Hope you can join me for that.

Season 2014/15 - Semi Finals 2nd Leg

So this is it then, four teams ninety minutes away from Wembley. Drama, tension and excitement guaranteed. I was at North Shields v Highworth Town in the North East to see if the Wiltshire side could overturn the one goal deficit from the first leg:-

North Shields 2 Highworth Town 0 (Agg 3-0) (FA VaseSemi-Final 2nd Leg, Saturday 28th March 2015)

A sell out crowd of 1,500 packed into Shields tiny Daren Persson Stadium in anticipation of their side progressing through to the final at the twin towers (or should I say the Arch now???!!!) on May 9th after leading 1-0 from the 1st leg a week ago.

However the hosts looked nervous in the first fifteen minutes as they seemed to be slightly overawed by the occasion. The hosts lacked that tempo and the windy conditions were not helping the game one bit. The visitors seemed to settle much quicker and were keeping Shields well at bay despite the hosts attacking with the strong wind in the first half.

The first half hour passed with barely a chance registered in what was a very tight and tense affair. You could sense that nervousness in the crowd as well as the normally boisterous home support was unusually subdued. The first sight of goal went to the hosts when a corner was glanced across the goal but wide but at least it was a chance.

Two minutes later the hosts had another shot at goal when Richardson curled wide from outside the box but it was the first period in the match that Shields had any sort of pressure on the Highworth goal. Three minutes before half time Town keeper Stevens goal kick went out for a throw on near his own corner flag, which kind of explained how strong the wind was, it was causing the players untold problems at times.

This largely led to the lack of quality in the game so far and so at the half it was goal less with the visitors in the knowledge that they would have the wind behind them in the second half so very much all to play for. Shields knew they were definitely in a game and the subdued atmosphere at half time suggested the fans knew that too.

Half Time: North Shields 0 Highworth Town 0 (aggregate 1-0)

Town had an immediate chance at the start of the second period when the ball was played to Clarke who sliced wide from the edge of box in a great position and then up the other end on 52 minutes a great challenge from Worthians centre half Wadieh prevented Richardson striking at goal after he had burst into the box from the right.

It was certainly a much livelier start to the second half and on 57 minutes Towns Davoile struck inches over from distance with Shields keeper Robinson struggling as he saw the ball sail just over. A Highworth corner was almost blown in by the wind but Robinson managed to keep it out but was fouled anyway so it wouldn’t of counted. Shields were now well on the back foot and on 65 minutes Town had yet another chance as a reverse pass inside found Parsons who fired inches over from the right hand side of the box.

Then on 69 minutes came a moment of controversy. A free kick from the visitors by King out on the right was swung in and it seemed to hit the inside of the upper post and somehow didn’t go in when it bounced back into the goalmouth as it was cleared off the line and then from the next cross an effort was hooked over. Some folk have suggested the ball did actually go in as it came back off the stanchion inside the goal but the bottom line was it wasn’t a goal accordingly to the officials.

It certainly was a massive moment and Shields were clinging onto their aggregate lead and the home crowd were more than restless. Shields had their first shot on target on 71 minutes when Banbridge was played in but he scuffed his first time effort into the hands of Stevens, which failed to decrease the nerves inside the stadium.

However on 76 minutes Shields got the breakthrough. After a cross was flicked just wide of the post by a town defender the resulting corner eventually fell too Bainbridge who smashed past Stevens and sent the crowd wild with delight and the relief around the ground was for all to see. This totally changed the atmosphere inside the ground and with six minutes left it was almost two as Lancaster’s ball into the near post just missed the incoming Carr allowing Stevens to gather.

Highworth did their best to rally and on 85 minutes Bahone’s free kick in a decent position went straight into the arms of Robinson and time was now running out for Highworth to score twice to level the tie overall and take it to extra time.

Then with two minutes to go of the ninety Shields sealed their place at Wembley in calamitous circumstances. Stevens tried to clear the ball on the edge of his box but his clearance struck Shields sub Walker and came back off the post but Town failed to properly clear their lines and from another effort keeper Stevens inexplicably spilled the effort and Holmes was on hand to poke the loose ball over the line and send everyone wild and saw every single Shields player run over to celebrate the goal.

It was celebration time now as the hosts knew they were going to Wembley and a minute later Highworth summed up their luck in the tie when a break down the left saw the ball played across goal to Drewitt but he side footed wide when it was easier to score. After four minutes ofstoppage time the referee brought proceedings to a close and the North East side were the ones celebrating.

Hats off to Highworth Town, they were unlucky to lose the game but missed chances and that proved to be the difference in this game. Well done to Shields though they dug in and got the job done which at the end of the day is all that matters.

Full Time: North Shields 2 Highworth Town 0 (aggregate 3-0)

North Shields: 1.Robinson 2.Donnison 3.Lancaster 4.McKeown 5.Parker 6.Hughes 7.Luccock 8.Forster 9.Bainbridge 10.Richardson 11.Holmes
Subs: 12.Coppen 14.Carr 15.Morris 16.Walker 17.Bannon

Highworth Town: 1.Stevens 2.Aikenhead 3.Jackson 4.Taylor 5.Wadieh 6.King 7.Drewitt 8.Davoile 9.Bahone 10.Parsons 11.Clarke
Subs: 12.Joyce 14.Maximen 15.Blackford 16.Tate 17.Eggleton

Attendance: 1,500

Here are some pictures:-

For match highlights go to this link https://youtu.be/crcl8yW7k2Q

Here is what happened in the other semi final tie:-

Glossop North End 0 AFC St Austell 1 (agg 2-1, att: 1,303)

Liam Eddy’s late goal was not enough for brave St Austell as Glossop North End held firm to seal a second Wembley appearance in six years.

Glossop fans would have been fearing the worst when their side was reduced to 10 men just over five minutes into this crucial tie. Left-back Matt Russell was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Neil Slateford.

They rallied though and went on the attack in an attempt to build on that two-goal aggregate lead, with Tom Bailey grazing the outside of the post with 20 minutes played. The one-time Football League club then forced a series of three corners in quick succession, with Jason Carey glancing just over the crossbar.

The Cornish side made it through to the half-hour mark without losing any more ground, and started to look to chip away at the deficit. With Liam Eddy on the ball in advanced positions, they started to pose a threat. St Austell flew out of the blocks after the break, forcing Glossop stopper Greg Hall into an error, but he was able to redeem himself at the second attempt.

The hosts held firm and Dave Young got creative, seeing Jason Chapman off his line and shooting from his own half. The goalkeeper got back just in time, and the Lilywhites continued to attack as puddles started to form on the rain-soaked pitch. They were rewarded with an Eddy goal in the first minute of injury time, the striker netting from close range to set up a frantic finish. But Glossop’s stubborn defensive work was rewarded as they saw out the game and booked a place in the FA Vase final with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

So we now know the final two who will be walking out at Wembley on May 9th. Glossop North End v North Shields. It proves to be a good day out for both sides and it should be a close game too, so no doubt plenty of drama and excitement to come!!

Season 2014/15 - Semi Finals 1st Leg

So it was FA Vase Semi Final 1st Leg day as four teams battled it out to take an advantage into the second leg and maybe one foot in the Wembley finale, I was at The Elms, Highworth Town for their match against North Shields, here is my report:-

Highworth Town 0 North Shields 1 (FA Vase Semi-Final, 1st Leg, Saturday 21st March 2015)

Uhlsport Hellenic League side Highworth Town hosted Ebac Northern League side North Shields in the first leg of the FA Vase semi final at The Elms in Highworth. A bumper crowd of 1,240 turned up to see which side could gain an advantage going into next weekend’s second leg in the North East.

Shields were the favourites to win this tie before a ball was kicked and they started much the better side and should of taken the lead on 6 minutes a well worked free kick was cleared of the line and then the rebound was fantastically saved by Gary Stevens. On 11 minutes Shields again opened up the hosts back line and saw Dean Walker played in but his effort was sliced wide of the near post as the visitors were looking very dangerous thus far.

Highworth did gradually start to come back into the tie as they began to settle down a little in what was obivously a massive occasion and on 19 minutes they did have their first shot towards goal although Jon Davoile’s effort was sliced well wide from distance. At least it was some intent from the hosts as they did look like they would be overpowered by their Northern League opponents.

The half there after settled down into a more typical semi final as both sides competed well and a decent battle was in progress. Chances were less frequent at this stage but on 32 minutes Town had a decent chance when a free kick to the back post was headed on target by TJ Bohane but Shields keeper Michael Robinson saved comfortably whilst up the other end two minutes later Dean Walker struck an effort just over the bar as the good battle continued.

The first goal was always going to be important in this tie and right on half time the hosts almost got it when Callum Parsons turned his marker on the edge of the box and fired a dipping effort inches over the bar. It was a very decent effort indeed and had keeper Michael Robinson worried. So no goals in the first half but plenty of endeavour from both sides.

Half Time: Highworth Town 0 North Shields 0

Half time sadly took the attention way from the pitch as firstly a North Shields fan slipped and fell over on the concrete terrace, cutting his head open in the process causing a ten minute delay at that point to the start of the second half although he looked to be ok (ish) as he was stretchered away across the pitch by the medics.

Sadly there was a further delay to the second half after some disturbances in the clubhouse involving supporters leading to police being called. It certainly wasn’t what the day needed as 99% of the supporters who attended were enjoying their day and were in good spirits. Anyway the half eventually kicked off at 16.33 after the players and match officials had warmed themselves up again.

The first chance of the half fell to the hosts on 51 minutes when TJ Bohane’s looping effort from outside the box had keeper Michael Robinson worried and he palmed the ball away for a corner although it was actually going wide but he took no chances, which is the right thing to do. Highworth created another opportunity on 54 minutes when TJ Bohane headed wide from a corner as the hosts started the half well on the front foot.

On 57 minutes the hosts should of taken the lead when Shields cleared off the line twice when it looked odds on Highworth would go ahead. It was a let off for the visitors and suddenly the Northern League side were hanging on to their 0-0 scoreline. The battle carried on and it was now a tight semi final where you felt that one goal would possibly settle this match.

On 69 minutes Highworth went close again when a free kick from the right hand side of the are was flicked on across goal just invading runners coming in at the back post. It was close again for the hosts and they were made to pay for these misses when a minute later North Shields grabbed that all important goal with their first real meaningful attack of the half as a ball in from the left was poked at goal forcing a terrific reaction save from Gary Stevens with his feet but the ball fell to Dean Holmes who poked the rebound past Gary Stevens into the net sending the players and the 200 plus Shields fan’s behind that goal wild with delight.

It was hard on the hosts but they needed to regroup although they almost gifted Shields a second goal on 76 minutes when an under hit back pass from Sam Wadieh almost let Shields in but luckily for the home side keeper Gary Stevens managed to come out and pinch the ball off the strikers toes.

On 83 minutes the hosts were screaming for a penalty when a strike at goal seemed to hit the arm of a Shields defender but the referee didn’t agree and played on which annoyed the hosts somewhat. Shields were defending solidly though and Highworth just couldn’t find a way through although the visitors still looked to attack at any opportunity although no real clear chances came about.

Just as the board went up for four minutes of stoppage time Town won another free kick near Shields box and you felt it was now or never for Highworth but Ryan King’s free kick was weak and straight into the arms of keeper Michael Robinson. This was to be the last effort on goal and North Shields hold a slender advantage going into the second leg next weekend. Still all to play for though so should be another nail biter no doubt.

Full Time: Highworth Town 0 North Shields 1

Highworth Town: 1.Gary Stevens, 2.Johnny Aitkenhead, 3.Chris Jackson, 4.Ash Taylor, 5.Sam Wadieh, 6.Ryan King, 7.Tony Joyce, 8.Jon Davoile, 9.TJ Bohane, 10.Callum Parsons, 11.Bradley Clark.
Subs: 12.Dan Drewett, 14.Aaron Maximen, 15.Nathan Blackford, 16.Kevin Tate, 17.Garry Eggleton.

North Shields: 1.Michael Robinson, 2.Stuart Donnison, 3.Marc Lancaster, 4.Michael McKeown, 5.John Parker, 6.Kevin Hughes, 7.Denver Morris, 8.Adam Forster, 9.Dean Walker, 10.Benjamin Richardson, 11.Dean Holmes.
Subs: 12.Curtis Coppen, 14.Christopher Bannon, 15.Kieran Wrightson, 16.Ryan Carr, 17.James Luccock

Attendance: 1,240

Here are some photos from yesterday:-

Here is what happened in the other semi final 1st leg tie:-

AFC St Austell 0 Glossop North End 2 (Att around 2,000)

(photo courtesy of AndythePhotographer (@andythephoto))

Glossop North End struck at the start and end of their FA Vase Semi-Final first leg at AFC St Austell to plant one foot in The Final with a fine away win. Lee Blackshaw opened the scoring with a wonder volley that came during a flurry of pressure in the opening stages and although the hosts rallied in the second half, Chris Willcock’s men will take a two-goal cushion into the second leg thanks to substitute Ben Richardson’s strike in added time.

So it’s advantage North so far. Lets see if the South can fight back next weekend. I’ll have news of the second legs next weekend when we will no who will be going to Wembley for the finale of this seasons competition on May 9th.