Hebburn Town Official Matchday Programme, 2020-21, Issue 12: v Vauxhall Motors, FA Vase

Issue 12

Photo Credit: Sean Harrison (CnC Photography)

V Vauxhall Motors Saturday 19th December

The Green Energy Stadium Buildbase FA Vase third round 3PM KO

We would like to say a big thank you to The Green Energy Advice Bureau for their ground sponsorship agreement for an initial period of two seasons.

The Green Energy Advice Bureau offer award-winning energy consultancy to businesses of all sizes.

The South Shields-based business offer all clients a fully managed end to end bespoke energy consultancy service that includes a strategic procurement review to ensure your supply agreements (both contracts & metering points) are fit for purpose and providing your organisation with the best value for money.

The Green Energy Advice Bureau will also provide advice and assistance to help your organisation monitor, manage & control your energy more efficiently via their specialist sustainability team.

Tel.: 0191 3037750

Email: info@greenpoweradvice.co.uk

HEBBURN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB Founded: 1912

Contents

The Green Energy Sports Ground, South Drive, Hebburn, NE31 1UN

www.hebburntownfc.co.uk

@HebburnTown

CLUB OFFICIALS Director: Stephen Rutherford Senior Chairman: Vin Pearson

4

Kevin Bolam

20 18 21

5

Memory Match

23 21 24

8

Olly Martin

23 26 25

10

Fixture Grid

27 25 26

Editor's Notes Preseason Round-up Hebburn Player Profiles

15

Today's opponents

26 28

Preseason SquadRound-up Lists

19

Noticeboard

Stephen Rutherford Hebburn Town info on Noticeboard the club and Covid-19

Noticeboard Recent Match Reports Hebburn Town History

Honorary Life President: Billy Laffey Honorary Life President: Jason Cook First Team Secretary: Dave Patterson Vice Chairman: Richard Bainbridge Treasurer: Brenda Pearson Kit Manager: Helen Stoker Junior Recruitment Officer: David Thomas

The 2019-20 Vase HebburnPlayer Town History Hebburn Profiles story

Club Committee: Paul Hill, Paul Samuels, Steve Malley, Ronnie Tatum, Fred Atkinson, Bob Smith, Peter Stoker

Media Team Head of Media: Kieran Archer Media Officers: James Main Club Photographers: Richard Waugh, Sean Harrison (CNC Photography), Monika Krysinska (Mon Mon) Voice of Hebburn Town: It remains a mystery???

@HebburnTown | 3

K

O B la m n i v e

“the support we

M

an s e age t o N r’ s

On behalf of everyone associated with Hebburn Town I would like to offer a warm welcome to management, staff and players of Vauxhall Motors and hope they have had a trouble free journey up to the north east from the Wirral for today's FA Vase third round clash at the Green Energy Stadium.

It's strange as we met each other in last year’s competition in the fourth round if I remember correctly and the game was a very tight affair which we edged 1-0 on the day with an early Olly Martin goal.

have had from supporters and volunteers to help get it on has been phenomenal.”

It's fair to say both teams know a little about each other based on last season’s meeting but both sides have also added to their squads as well as players moving on from both squads.

All of our attention turned to this game after last Saturday’s epic against North Shields and what a game that was! I believe we deservedly came through on the day over the course of the 90 mins against a very good side. Facing North Shields so early in the competition and coming through was a massive result.

I spoke to their manager Mike McGraa a couple of times after the game and had some good football conversations with him on the phone so I am looking forward to seeing him again today.

Back to today's game, the squad are in good physical condition and we have managed to get a session in on Thursday night after Tuesday’s Durham Challenge Cup win when we made 8/9 changes to the starting line up to keep the whole squad ticking over with game time minutes.

We were looked after really well by today's opponents last season so it's great to welcome them to Hebburn today, however the sad thing is we are still in the middle of this pandemic so we can only allow 150 supporters in again whereas we would have anticipated a crowd of maybe 6 or 7 hundred for today's game in normal circumstances.

Hopefully our pitch holds up today as we like to get it down and play but due to the weather we have experienced lately up here it's been difficult to keep our game to its usual standard. However, the support we have had from supporters and volunteers to help get it on has been phenomenal so thank you to all of you,

We will have to be at our best today again and will need another performance like last week when we come through against fellow Northern League title contenders North Shields in what was a fantastic game of football.

Kevin Bolam

VM had mathematically won their league last season before the lockdown stopped all football so I feel for Mike, his staff and also his players as they should been promoted. VM have started their domestic season well again and have won all their games bar one when they drew with Barnston FC.

4 | @HebburnTown

Kevin Bolam

Memory Match Vauxhall Motors 0-1 Hebburn Town FA Vase Fourth Round Saturday 11th January 2020 Hebburn headed to Merseyside for the second Vase game in a row, this time heading to the south of the river to play against Vauxhall Motors.

The game was settled by Olly Martin's excellent early goal, within two minutes of play.

A great pass from Michael McKeown released Graeme Armstrong but the striker was hauled down by Tom Mitchell. Martin picked up the ball and released a wonderful curling strike that found the right corner.

Chances for both sides came few and far between following that.

There was a minor scare in the 27th minute when Mark Foden spilled a free-kick but Glenn Rule's effort was cleared.

Martin headed over at the back post early in the second half after great work from Tom Potter on the right.

McKewon forced Ryan Crump into action in the 66th minute with a fierce low strike.

Mitchell had a chance to level as the game entered the final 10 minutes when he met a Ben Holmes free-kick but headed off target.

Crump made another good save from a strike towards the left corner, this time from Potter's edge of the box effort.

The Hornets saw out the final few minutes and secured the tie with their fourth clean sheet in the last five games.

@HebburnTown | 5

Tel.: 01388 814800 Email: sales@avecsport.com avecsport.com Avec Sport Ltd., Enterprise City, Unit 1-2, Meadowfield Ave, Spennymoor, County Durham DL16 6JF

At Avec Sport, we have a proud and longstanding heritage of supplying premium football kits and training wear to professional football clubs for over 20 years.

Since launching in 1993 as the Official Kit Supplier to Sunderland AFC, Avec Sport has continued to supply a large portfolio of professional clubs within the Premier League and Football League, which more recently includes Crystal Palace FC, Doncaster Rovers FC and Scunthorpe United FC. Not only do we supply to professional clubs, but we also have vast experience in supplying Football Academies, Schools, Colleges and Universities as well as the amateur teams across all levels of the grassroots game.

Our experience and partnerships with professional football clubs, has allowed us to develop and create suitable products for every player, no matter what league they play in.

We recognise the importance that grassroots football has in the development of future players and understand the need to offer a level of service and quality of product that is parallel to the professional game. It has always been an ambition of ours to provide premium quality Football Kits and Team wear at a great value and we firmly believe that you will not be disappointed by choosing Avec Sport.

What separates us from other suppliers is that all our stock is held on-site in our 35,000 sq.ft head office and distribution warehouse. Not only does this mean that all stock is available for immediate dispatch, but all aspects of your kit are dealt with in-house through our production team for any additional customisation requirements.

Avec Sport also has a credible heritage of supplying Team Wear for other sports, from professional Cricket Clubs such as Durham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Gloucestershire, as well as professional Rugby clubs including, Castleford, Gateshead Thunder, Halifax Blue Sox and Wakefield.

6 | @HebburnTown

UTS Engineering are global specialists when it comes to pipeline solutions. Our philosophy is simple – providing quality, yet cost effective piping solutions within the shortest lead time.

For pipe fittings and steel fabrications to under pressure drilling services and 24 hour emergency response; we are a true single source for pipeline service and products.

Our business culture is concentrated on being customer focused. We are driven by the demand of our customers and the ever changing needs around the world.

Our product range is one of the most diverse in the market and we are confident in providing you with a solution, whatever your request. Our workforce which is paramount to our success – working around the clock to service the needs of pipelines throughout the world.

Tel.: 0191 428 4003 Email: info@uts-ltd.com Website: https://www.uts-ltd.com/ UTS Engineering LTD., Connor House, Bede Industrial Estate, Tyne and Wear, Jarrow NE32 3EW

Olly Martin Olly has been a big player for Hebburn in the FA Vase. The forward grabbed a hat-trick as they turned the game around against Lower Breck as well as netting the winner against today's opponents last season. Popular with fans, he talks on the Vase and limited minutes this season.

Olly Martin has great memories of last season's Vase run, including a goal in the fourth round away to today's visitors.

Remembering that goal and the day, he said: "When we went down to Vauxhall last time I think the windy weather played a big part in it.

"I think we were comfortable until they started throwing everyone up, pumping balls into the box.

"We were pretty comfortable for 1-0, it could have been more. We missed a couple of chances as well.

I'd love another moment like that goal."

But rather than taking too much encouragement from last season's game, the improvement of his side is a bigger point of confidence for the forward: "I’ve heard they’ve improved, but I know for a fact that we’ve improved.

Martin got 90 minutes and a lovely goal in Tuesday night's Durham Challenge Cup game against Gateshead Rutherford, on getting some important minutes he said: "It was good to get a full 90 minute game into the tank on Tuesday night, I feel like I’ve needed it.

"I haven’t had a great run of games at the minute, but "It’s the same team but I think in the two years I’ve every time I come on I feel like I’ve done a good job been playing here, this is the best we’ve been playing. and contributed.

We were good last season, but we’ve come on a lot and this is shaping up to be a better season than last "I’ve scored quite a few goals for the amount of year." minutes I’ve played this season. I’m always happy to come on and do my part for the team, but obviously And he hopes that improvement in overall form can I’d like to be involved more. translate into another run in the FA Vase, adding: "I’d be buzzing to have another Vase run. Last year it was "You can only have so many people on the pitch and just one of those where everything was going right we’ve got quite a few attackers, so it’s good compefor me when we played in the Vase. tition for spots on the pitch and that drives you to be even better. I enjoy competition for places and I know "I’d love to continue that in the final when we finally whoever plays will do a good job." play it. Also, starting a new run this year, hopefully we go far again and I can get a few goals again.

"Having had last year’s run and having a final in the bag, it definitely hasn’t devalued the competition. It just makes it better that we can get into two finals.

"We could have the chance to play at Wembley twice, which would be unbelievable. Imagine being the first team to play two Vase finals at Wembley in the same year." /HebburnTownFC 88 || @HebburnTownFC

“I don’t understand how other leagues can play, for example our own U23s and even have fans in, but our league is getting postponed and we can’t play."

"I had a similar run out of the team last year, but I was patient, had a good run of form when I did play, scoring a few goals especially in the Vase games and I made it hard for Kev and Mick to leave me out.

"Hopefully I can do the same again."

With his desire to play football, it comes as no surprise that Olly was frustrated to find out that the league had been postponed until into the new year.

He played a part in the club's social media campaign to get fans back in the Sports Club, his picture of Newcastle city centre has been retweeted and reshared by other pages well over 100 times.

On the season being postponed again, he said: "It’s too much stop and start.

"I don’t understand how other leagues can play, for example our own U23s and even have fans in, but our league is getting postponed and we can’t play.

"All of this stop and start is difficult as you don’t know when your next game is going to be.

"Today’s game could be the last one for a while, so hopefully we make it a win."

Olly Martin

With the intense competition for places in mind, Martin is hoping the virtue of patience will pay off for him this season. On waiting for a chance and taking it when it comes, he added: "I’ve got to be patient.

@HebburnTown | 9

Date

Versus

Comp

H/A

Result

Att.

1

2

3

4

5

6

01/09/20

Hemsworth

FA Cup

H

4-1

263

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence

Louis Storey (c)

Danny Carson

05/09/20

Corinthian FC

FA Vase

A

2-2 (p)

300

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence (71)

Louis Storey (c)

Danny Carson

08/09/20

Shildon AFC

ENLD1

H

2-0

300

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

18. Luke Salmon

19. Damen Mullen (63)

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

12/09/20

Pontefract

FA Cup

H

2-2 (p)

300

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

18. Luke Salmon (49)

Robbie Spence

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson (c)

15/09/20

West Auckland

ENLD1

H

4-0

247

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough (87)

Robbie Spence

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

19/09/20

Seaham Red Star

ENLD1

H

0-4

209

Mark Foden

14. Carl Taylor

Darren Lough (81)

Robbie Spence (65)

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

22/09/20

Whickham AFC

ENLD1

H

2-1

224

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

14. Carl Taylor

19. Damen Mullen

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

30/09/20

North Shields

ENLD1

A

3-2

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

19. Damen Mullen (45)

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

03/10/20

Penrith AFC

ENLD1

H

9-0

137

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence (G)

12. Jack Donaghy

14. Carl Taylor (64)

06/10/20

Bishop Auckland

ENLD1

H

4-2

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence (67)

12. Jack Donaghy

Danny Carson

10/10/20

Whitley Bay

ENLD1

A

0-4

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence

Louis Storey (c)

Danny Carson

17/10/20

Sunderland RCA

ENLD1

H

3-2

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence

Louis Storey (c)

Danny Carson

21/10/20

Washington FC

DCC

A

2-10

82

Andrew Coulson

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Damen Mullen (62)

Danny Carson

Louis Storey

24/10/20

Newcastle Benfield

ENLD1

H

5-2

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves (G)

Darren Lough

19. Damen Mullen (74)

Louis Storey (C)

Danny Carson

27/10/20

Ashington

ENLD1

A

1-6

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence

Louis Storey (C)

Danny Carson

31/10/20

Northallerton Town

ENLD1

H

4-0

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

Robbie Spence (60)

Louis Storey (C)

Danny Carson

12/12/20

North Shields

FAV

H

3-2

150

Mark Foden

Dan Groves

Darren Lough

19. Damen Mullen

Louis Storey (C) (G)

Danny Carson

15/12/20

Gateshead Rutherford

DCC

H

2-0

118

Andrew Coulson

Jordan Stephenson

Carl Taylor

Robbie Spence

Angelos Eleftheriadis

Jack Donaghy

19/12/20

Vauxhall Motors

ENLD1

A

02/01/21

Newcastle Benfield

ENLD1

A

05/01/21

Billingham Town

ENLD1

H

09/01/21

West Auckland

ENLD1

A

12/01/21

Seaham Red Star

ENLD1

H

16/01/21

Whickham

ENLD1

A

23/01/21

North Shields

ENLD1

H

30/01/21

Bishop Auckland

ENLD1

A

06/02/21

Newton Aycliffe

ENLD1

H

10/02/21

Thornaby

ENLD1

A

13/02/21

Stockton

ENLD1

A

20/02/21

Thornaby

ENLD1

H

27/02/21

Penrith

ENLD1

A

06/03/21

Ashington

ENLD1

H

13/03/21

Whitley Bay

ENLD1

H

20/03/21

Billingham Town

ENLD1

A

27/03/21

Guisborough Town

ENLD1

H

30/03/21

Stockton Town

ENLD1

H

03/04/21

Ryhope CW

ENLD1

A

06/04/21

Newton Aycliffe

ENLD1

A

10/04/21

Northallerton Town

ENLD1

A

17/04/21

Consett AFC

ENLD1

H

01/05/21

Consett AFC

ENLD1

A

08/05/21

Guisborough Town

ENLD1

A

10 | @HebburnTown

7

8

9

10

11

S1

S2

S3

Tom Potter (79)

Michael McKeown (G)

Graeme Armstrong (G x2)

14. Carl Taylor (70)

17. Amar Purewal (G) (45)

15. C. Scott (45)

19. D. Mullen (70)

11. O. Martin (79)

Tom Potter

Michael McKeown (118)

Graeme Armstrong (G x2)

15. Cedwyn Scott (66)

17. Amar Purewal (115)

11. O. Martin (66)

19. D. Mullen (71)

14. C. Taylor (115)

Tom Potter (78)

Michael McKeown

Graeme Armstrong (c) (Gx1)

14. Carl Taylor

17. Amar Purewal (73)

4. R. Spence (63)

11. O. Martin (73) (G)

15. C. Scott (78)

Tom Potter

19. Damen Mullen

15. Cedwyn Scott (G)

14. Carl Taylor

16. Lewis Suddick

9. Graeme Armstrong (49) (G)

Tom Potter (85)

Michael McKeown (G)

Graeme Armstrong (c) (Gx2)

14. Carl Taylor (65)

17. Amar Purewal (G)

15. Cedwyn Scott (65)

16. Lewis Suddick (85)

18. Luke Salmon (87)

Tom Potter (Gx2) (73)

Michael McKeown

Graeme Armstrong (c)

19. Damen Mullen

17. Amar Purewal (G)

15. Cedwyn Scott (65)

16. Lewis Suddick (73) (G)

18. Luke Salmon (81)

Tom Potter (45)

Michael McKeown (G)

Graeme Armstrong (c)

15. Cedwyn Scott (79)

17. Amar Purewal

11. Olly Martin (45) (G)

4. Robbie Spence (79)

Tom Potter

Michael McKeown

Graeme Armstrong (c)

14. Carl Taylor (56)

17. Amar Purewal (56)

4. Robbie Spence (45)

11. O. Martin (56)

15. C. Scott (56) (Gx2)

Tom Potter (64)

Michael McKeown (G)

Graeme Armstrong (c) (Gx3)

15. Cedwyn Scott (G)

16. Lee Mason (64) (Gx2)

11. O. Martin (64) (G)

10. M. Richardson (64)

5. L. Storey (64)

Tom Potter (G) (26)

Michael Mckeown

Graeme Armstrong (c) (G)

15. Cedwyn Scott

16. Lee Mason (Gx2) (85)

11. O. Martin (26)

5. L. Storey (67)

19. D. Mullen (85)

12. Jack Donaghy

19. Damen Mullen

Graeme Armstrong (G) (61)

16. Lee Mason (65)

Olly Martin (79)

15. C. Scott (61) (G)

17. A. Purewal (65)

14. C. Taylor (79) (G)

15. Cedwyn Scott (Gx2)

12. Jack Donaghy

Graeme Armstrong (86)

16. Lee Mason (59)

Olly Martin (59)

17. Amar Purewal (59)

10. Michael Richardson (59) (G)

Carl Taylor (86)

Tom Potter (75)

Carl Taylor

Cedwyn Scott (Gx6)

Michael Richardson (G) (67)

Amar Purewal (Gx2)

17. Michael McKeown (62)

16. Lee Mason (67)

15. Olly Martin (75)

Tom Potter (Gx2)

Michael McKeown

15. Cedwyn Scott (Gx2) (78)

16. Lee Mason (61)

17. Amar Purewal

10. Michael Richardson (61)

4. Robbie Spence (74)

11. Olly Martin (78)

Tom Potter (71)

19. Damen Mullen (71)

15. Cedwyn Scott (Gx4)

Michael Richardson (71)

17. Amar Purewal

11. O. Martin (71) (Gx2)

16. L. Mason (71)

14. C. Taylor (71)

Tom Potter (G)

19. Damen Mullen

15. Cedwyn Scott (Gx2) (68)

14. Carl Taylor

Olly Martin

10. M. Richardson (60) (G)

9. G. Armstrong (68)

Tom Potter

Michael McKeown

Graeme Armstrong (G)

Michael Richardson (G) (60)

15. Cedwyn Scott (74)

4. R. Spence (60)

17. Amar Purewal (74)

Olly Martin (G)

Michael McKeown (C)

Cedwyn Scott (G) (79)

Michael RIchardson (84)

Amar Purewal

14. E. Carter (79)

17. T. Potter (84)

S4

16. L. Suddick (118)

@HebburnTown | 11

Tel no.: 0191 4890020 Mob no.: 07730643051 Email: tynesidefab@btconnect.com 39 Bedesway, Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow, NE32 3EG

facebook.com/HebburnTownFC

14 | Hebburn TV

Vauxhall Motors FC

Nickname:

Home Ground:

Founded:

The Motormen

Rivacre Park

1963

League:

Last Season:

North West Counties Division One South

1st (Season Abandoned) @HebburnTown | 15

Vauxhall Motors Club History

Vauxhall Motors Manager

Mike McGraa

Club Honours Northern Premier League Premier Division Runners-up (2001–02) Northern Premier League Division One Runners-up (2000–01) Northern West Counties League Division One Champions (1999– 2000) North West Counties Division Two Champions (1988–89, 1995–96) North West Counties League Cup Winners (1990–91, 1998–99) West Cheshire League Division Two Bowl Winners (1967–68) Pyke Cup Runners-up (1972–73) Cheshire FA County Cup Runners-up (1993–94, 2000–01, 2004–05) Wirrall FA Senior Cup Winners (1986-87, 2014–15) 16 | @HebburnTown

Founded in 1963, shortly after the new car plant was opened in Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall Motors quickly outgrew their humble beginnings in the Ellesmere Port League and the Wirral Combination and in 1965 gained admittance to the Second Division of the West Cheshire League. By the end of the decade, they were operating in Division One on the company owned Hooton Park inside the plant.

After successive promotions, consolidation may have been considered the name of the game at Rivacre Park, but not for the management and players! They continued to defy the odds throughout this campaign and finished with a superb spell, to lift the runners-up trophy by a stunning eleven points from the third-placed club, behind runaway champions, Burton Albion.

In the 70s the club consolidated its position but without much overall success. In the 80s the Sports & Social Club bought land adjoining its clubhouse and plans were soon afoot to transfer all outside sporting activities to the Rivacre Road site.

The Motormen made national headlines in the late autumn of 2002-03, when dumping Ian Holloway’s QPR out of the F. A. Cup, in their first ever appearance in the First Round, before losing 2-0 away to Macclesfield by virtue of two late goals in front of the Sky TV cameras in Round Two. They ended the league season in third place, while the reserves lifted the West Cheshire League championship thanks to a stunning late charge under Steve leyland.

After a lot of hard work, the new ground, known as Rivacre Park, was officially opened in 1987 by then England manager Bobby Robson, who brought a team including a number of former internationals for an opening game. By then the club had recovered from its leanest days of the late 70s to clinch their first West Cheshire League championship in 1985-86.

The following season they reached their first Cheshire Amateur Cup final, lifted the Wirral Senior Cup and successfully applied to join the North West Counties League for the 1987-88 campaign, as Vauxhall G. M., whilst still keeping two Motors teams in the West Cheshire League. After a solid first season, the ‘Motormen’ cruised to a superb Division Two title in 1989, losing just once in the process. In their first season in Division One, G. M. finished a creditable fourth. The following season they lifted the North West Counties League Cup at Bury, by defeating Darwen 2-0 thanks to Lee Warriner who struck both goals that evening.

In November 2003, the vastly experienced Owen Brown was installed as the club’s new manager, after Alvin McDonald left Rivacre Park for Conference club Northwich Victoria, and after a difficult couple of months, he completely transformed the club’s fortunes, as they rose from 21st place at the end of January to a very respectable ninth, losing just twice in their last nineteen league games, to clinch a place in the newly formed Conference North. In their first season they finished 15th.

In 2005, results had taken a turn for the worst and the manager resigned after a seventh straight defeat, to be replaced

by Carl Macauley, another former player. He managed to steer us away from relegation and a further improvement was made the following season.

The following season saw the committee stretched to its limits and it was decided to withdraw G. M. from the North West Counties League and concentrate on West Cheshire League football. After finishing third in each of the next two seasons, 1994-95 saw the club win both divisions of the West Cheshire League, a feat only achieved twice before in the League’s 103-year history and they were accepted back into the North West Counties League again.

In August 2007, Carl recruited former Wolves striker Andy Mutch as his assistant, who enjoyed a great double act with former England international Steve Bull for seven years at Molyneux. Carl had to step down in October, leaving Andy in charge. It was during his short reign that the club developed striker Paul Taylor, who went on to play for Peterborough United, Ipswich Town, Rotherham United, Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers.

In their first season back, they romped to the Second Division title but stuttered on their return to Division One though they reached the semi-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup. The next season saw the ‘Motormen’ improve on their standing to finish fourth, whilst reaching the county cup semi-finals once more and the League Cup Final at Gigg Lane, losing to champions Kidsgrove Athletic 1-0 in arguably the most memorable final yet, as it was played in a monsoon!

Carl returned to his managerial role in March 2008 and in the following campaign, he guided the Motormen to their highest ever Conference North position of 11th. The club reached the 1st Round of the F A Cup in November 2010, gaining a creditable goalless draw away at Hartlepool before losing the home replay 1-0. In May 2011, Carl had to stand down once more, allowing his assistant Anthony Wright to step up, alongside former Notts. County striker Gary Martindale, only to return to his post once again in November.

When the club announced its intention to resign from the Conference North in March 2014, due to severe financial concerns, Carl was quickly snapped up by Chester as assistant to Steve Burr. The club returned to its West Cheshire League roots and Alan Schumacker, a former Motors defender, took charge of team affairs.

In the 1998-99 season the club reached new heights, under a new management team led by Alvin McDonald. He guided his young side to the Fifth Round of the F. A. Carlsberg Vase for the first time in the club’s history, finished in their best ever league position (3rd) and ended a memorable campaign by lifting the League Cup by defeating Prescot Cables in a replay at White Moss Park.

But this was just a sample of the success that was about to unfold. In his second season in charge, Alvin guided the club to even greater heights. Defeat in the semi-finals of the F. A. Carlsberg Vase, losing 1-0 to Chippenham in extra time, could not dent their drive towards the NWCL championship with four games to spare. For good measure, they also carried off the Floodlit Trophy, whilst their reserves in the West Cheshire captured the Centenary Pyke Cup for the first time in the club’s history, as well as reaching the Wirral Senior Cup final.

Their baptism into the Unibond was nothing short of spectacular. The Motormen enjoyed a wonderful start to their First Division campaign (2000-01) and despite the transfer of top scorer Gregg Blundell to Northwich in mid-season, they ended the season in good form, to clinch an unexpected runners-up spot and with it, promotion to the Unibond Premier at the first attempt.

After two third place finishes, it was decided to change management. Former boss Anthony Wright and his cousin Joe were appointed but their rein did not last long and by November 2016, Karl Bell was appointed as team boss. In his first full season (2017/18) the club remained undefeated until just before Christmas, but then lost their way in the second half of the campaign and ended up as runners-up.

The club re-applied to join the NWCFL once more and were successful in that respect, being placed in the new Division One South. Karl Bell was replaced by former Motors striker Mick McGraa that summer from Cammell Lairds 1907 and he immediately brought in a new squad that managed to clinch a wonderful runners-up spot in his first season in charge.

Vauxhall Motors Player Profiles Mick McGraa (manager) – A former Vauxhall striker of some repute, Mick went on to manage at Conwy United, West Kirby and Cammell Laird 1907, guiding his last club to the NWCL Division One play-off final. Appointed manager at VMFC two seasons ago, Mick guided the Motormen to the runners-up spot in his first season and arguably the title last season had coronavirus not interfered.

Named Step 6 manager of the season.

Joseph Heath (assistant manager) - An experienced midfielder, who has previous served Chester, Hereford Utd, Exeter City, Lincoln City, Nottingham Forest and Runcorn Town. Appointed as assistant manager last year.

Ryan Crump (goalkeeper) – Ryan has been on Liverpool’s books and played for their second string. He has also served Blackburn Rovers, Southport and Chester. Made the number one shirt his own in the early part of last season.

Thomas Mitchell (defender & captain) – an experienced back four player who has served Cammell Laird 1907, Skelmersdale United, Widnes and Atherton Collieries, winning the NWCL title with Widnes in 2016-17 season. Joined the Motormen two summers ago, Tom is a true leader who has also struck a significant number of goals.

Kynan Mason (full back) – now a cultured full back, Kynan can operate on either side of the back four. He began life as an attacking winger in his early days with Vauxhall Motors in the West Cheshire League before trying his luck with Cammell Laird 1907 in the NWCFL four years ago. Rejoined Motors in the summer of 2018. Prior to that he was with Chester and Macclesfield.

Kyle Scarisbrick (full back) – As a youngster, Kyle was with Everton and Sheffield United before joining West Kirby in the West Cheshire League. After serving Denbigh and Buckley in Wales, he signed for the Motormen twenty four months ago and has proved his value to the squad.

Greg Drummond (full back) – Played for Fleetwood Town and Lancashire Youth before joining Cammell Laird 1907. Another capture from two years ago from up the road. He began as a striker but now converted to a full back with great success.

Glenn Rule (midfielder) – A vastly experienced player, Glenn began life at Vauxhall before moving on to Chester, where he made his Football League debut. He later played for Colwyn Bay, Stalybridge Celtic, Airbus, Stockport County and Bala before rejoining Stalybridge. Signed last summer for the Motormen and has proved a superb signing, with a string of dominant displays and a decent return of goals.

Daniel Cross (midfielder) – a hugely talented midfielder with an eye for goal, Danny was previously with Vauxhall Motors in the West Cheshire League before trying his luck over in Wales for a short time. Returned to England with Cammell Laird 1907 before making the switch back to VMFC two year ago. Danny has managed a good few goals since his return. Now back to his best after a leg fracture in December 2018.

Haydn Cooper (midfielder) – A tireless talented midfielder who has previous experience with Radcliffe Borough and Mold Alexandra. Another signing from two summers ago, he was previously with Cammell Laird 1907. Undoubtedly, one of the stars of last season’s campaign and the one before.

Ben Holmes (forward) – Ben likes to play out wide on either flank. Our top scorer in 2018-19, Ben was previously with Ashville, Conwy United and Cammell Laird 1907. Had spells with Blackburn Rovers and Tranmere Rovers as a youngster.

Kieran Hamm (forward) – Another former Cammell Laird 1907 player, Kieran’s small statue does not detract from his ability in the air, as well as his quality on the floor. A dangerous striker with goals in him.

Karl Noon (forward) – A popular striker, now in his third spell at Vauxhall. Has previously experience with Bangor City, Colwyn Bay, Marine, Warrington, AFC Flyde and Cefn Druids. Returned to the club a year last winter and is now showing the sort of goal scoring form we know he is capable of. Motors top scorer in 2019-20.

Michael Burkey (forward) – Michael spent ten years with Tranmere, before trying his luck with Airbus in The Welsh League for one season. Signed from Heswall last Autumn, he is a deceptively strong young striker with an eye for goals. And speed to die for.

Jay Harvey (forward) – Jay was Vauxhall’s top scorer in the West Cheshire League side last season and has continued to grow in stature, notching a brace in a recent pre-season friendly against Colwyn Bay to prove his goal scoring potential at this level.

Simon Thelwell (striker) – Rejoined the Motormen in the summer of 2020 after three seasons with Runcorn Town.

Simon has previously served Flint Town United and Capenhurst, as well as Vauxhall a few years back.

Jack Kelly – Recently introduced to the first team squad from the club’s Youth side, Jack is a real prospect going forward and is sure to enjoy the moments he gets playing with the senior players, as he matures further on the playing field.

Shaun Weaver (attacking midfielder) – Joined the Motormen in the summer after two seasons with Runcorn Town.

Prior to that, Shaun was with Grange Athletic and Ellesmere Port before going off to Australia where he played for Cairnlea and Werribee City, where he won the Golden Boot.

@HebburnTown | 17

Hebburn TV

18 | @HebburnTown

NoticeBoard Thank you to our volunteers

Hebburn Town FC owe our fans and community a big thank you.

Last Saturday's game was incredibly tough on the pitch at the Green Energy Stadium and a few days of bad weather following that made it difficult to repair.

But after a social media appeal from the club, a handful of fans offered to come down and help groundsman Tony Robinson get the pitch into shape for Tuesday's game.

Current Covid-19 Procedure: 1. Upon Entry to the ground all spectators must check in using the government NHS track & trace QR code, failure to use the code due to not having the appropriate device will require a manual name and contact number record being taken.

After managing to get that game on, there was a reality check that again we might 2. All spectators must wear face coverings/ have a tough time getting it masks at all times unless medially exempt. playable for today's game.

But once again, some of our fantastic supporters volunteered their time to help Tony, and make sure we all have a game to watch this weekend.

Congratulations Loughy Last time out against North Shields in the Vase, it was a special game for Darren Lough, although he probably did not know it.

He turned out for Hebburn Town in a competitive time for the 50th time, but the player that he is, focussed and hard-working, he probably was not thinking about the achievement.

3. Spectators must socially distance at all times, this means remaining a 2m distance from others outside of your support bubble.

4. Outside Beer Garden areas - spectators can sit in groups of 6 (from any setting) and must remain seated to order & consume drinks (at table service only) 5. Inside Sports Club areas - Spectators can sit in groups of 6 (Only from within your household bubble) and must remain seated to order & consume drinks (at table service only) 6. Inside Sports Club areas - Face coverings must be worn at all times whilst moving around on foot (i.e going to toilet, entry/exit the building) 7. All local authority COVID measures must be followed at all times.

It speaks volumes about Loughy that he has managed so early into his second season here. Here's to another 50.

Current Covid-19 Guidelines As a responsible community based football club it's our duty to update supporters, staff and players from both clubs regarding the latest Covid-19 updates.

If you are unsure of the guidelines, please take a read here

19 | @HebburnTown

Hebburn TV | 19

HEBBURN TOWN Ebac Northern League Division One

CLUB HONOURS

Wearside League Champions: 1966/67 Northern Combination Champions: 1943/44 Tyneside League Champions: 1938/39 Durham Challenge Cup Winners: 1942/43, 1991/92 Northern League Division Two Runner Up: 2017/18

CLUB RECORDS Best FA Cup Performance: Fourth Qualifying Round (2011/12)

Best FA Trophy Performance: Second Qualifying Round Replay (1994/95) Best FA Vase Performance: Final (2019/20 *Ongoing) Record Attendance: 1,705 v Plymouth Parkway (FA Vase Quarter Final 19/02/20) Biggest Win: 10-1 Heaviest Defeat: 3-10 20 | @HebburnTown

Club Hebburn was very different back in 1912. The collieries that had changed it from a small agricultural hamlet to a cosmopolitan but pretty grimy industrial town were nearing peak employment of 1,864 men, the shipyards launched by Andrew Leslie were in full vigour and the town, 11 years earlier, had welcome a diminutive Frenchman called Alphonse Reyrolle.

Reyrolle opened an engineering works, initially employing just 50 men, in the former dye factory next to St Aloysius’s church. At its peak Reyrolles would employ 12,000 men from a wide range of backgrounds, religions and cultures and export to 70 countries and be known worldwide.

The company also started a football team, encouraged by industrialist and mine owner Sir Ralph Carr-Ellison, another famous name in Hebburn history who provided the sports ground on which the Northern League side still plays. Football has played a major part in the life of the town, a cornerstone of its history.

Probably it also helped the population forget the harshness of day-to-day life, families of ten and more in insanitary, two-up two-down houses. When the last pit closed in 1931, it had claimed the lives of almost 200 men and boys.

There’d been plenty of teams before 1912, of course, notably Hebburn Argyle – kicked off in 1882 by Father Toner, the priest at St Aloysius’s. The town had so many Scots, they became known as the Tyneside Highlanders. Pre-World War 1 derbies with Jarrow would attract crowds of 8,000.The Geordie town also had Shinty and Curling Clubs and even an annual Highland Games, organised by the Hebburn Celtic Society.

Alphonse Reyrolle had actively encouraged his workers to take part in sport, including “barefoot” football, and formed the Employees’ Benevolent Association. The team formed in 1912, elected to the second division of the Jarrow and District Junior League, was suitably booted, however.

They progressed, flourished in the 1930s, had a wartime season in the North Eastern League, won the Durham Challenge Cup in 1943, and returned to the Northern Combination where they stayed until 1958. In 1959-60, Reyrolles had another season in the terminally ailing North Eastern League but finished bottom with just eight points.

The club then had 28 seasons in the Wearside League, and won the league in 1966 and the Monkwearmouth Cup in 1968.

In 1988, following the demise of the iconic engineering company A. Reyrolle, the name was changed to Hebburn and application made to join the Northern League – though it was before the days of automatic promotion and relegation and there wasn’t a vacancy. The ground was improved and other clubs canvassed. The break, however, came when North Shields created a vacancy by deciding by deciding to play elsewhere. The team played its first Northern League game on August 19 1989, winning 2-1 at Shotton Comrades, won promotion and the Durham Challenge Cup in 1992 but were relegated – contentiously – for failing to meet ground criteria. They won the Craven Cup in 1999-2000.

History In season 2011/12, Hebburn reached the FA Cup final qualifying round – a dream tie at neighbours Gateshead, from whom they were separated by 125 league places – and secured promotion in third place after a fascinating and exciting final ten games which took the team up to the first division In 2012/13 Hebburn Town met their target of staying in the first division after a nerve racking end to the season.

During the close season however manager Paul Bennett decided to leave the club for Jarrow Roofing along with his assistant Dean Nicholson. Unfortunately the team followed suit and in June the club had to start from scratch; two ex-Hebburn players Scott Oliver and Davy Bell took up the challenge and the new management team successfully assembled a squad of mainly young players with a base of experienced players to give the team a good mix.

Unfortunately, the very young and somewhat inexperienced side could not avoid relegation although they played with spirit, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season. The team received many plaudits for their playing style and attitude and also achieved some notable results; although relegated the team got stronger as the season progressed.

The squad in 2017/2018 season had a magnificent run from Jan 2018 – May 2018 that saw the Hornets record just 2 losses in all competitions, this fine form secured promotion to the Ebac Northern League Division One by finishing in second place.

In their first season back in Division 1, Hebburn finished as runners up. Michael Richardson was the side’s top scorer with 25 goals, and then manager Scott Oliver took the side to the fifth round of the FA Vase.

The Vase run was remarkable as the home attendance record was broken twice. 1,302 people attended the game against City of Liverpool in the first round, and 1,310 people were at the game against West Auckland in the fifth round.

In the summer of 2019, manager Scott Oliver stepped down from his role and reserve team manager Kevin Bolam stepped up to the role. The new management team of Kevin Bolam and assistant Mick Mulhern had a promising first season in charge, with the team in the promotion hunt before the season was voided as well as reaching the final of the FA Vase which is still yet to be played.

Hebburn Town has now enjoyed 30 seasons and over 1,000 games in the Northern League. Hopefully, they will continue to build on their great legacy for another 1,000 games.

/HebburnTownFC | 21

Hebburn TOwn Mark Foden Sponsored by Gary & Tracy Rogers Goalkeeper

24-year-old goalkeeper from Scotland with a wealth of experience. Formerly of St Mirren, Ross County, Stirling and Stenhousemuir, Foden crossed the border to join Gateshead at the start of the 2018/19 season. He moved to Blyth Spartans on a permanent deal the following summer but found himself out of favour and joined Hebburn in December 2019.

Andy Coulson Goalkeeper

Dave Bussey Young goalkeeper who joined this summer as cover for Mark Foden.

Has experience with a number of Northern League clubs over the past couple of years including West Auckland, Northallerton & Shildon AFC.

Darren Lough Sponsored by The Chapman Family Defender

Versatile defender who mainly plays at left-back. who Joined the club in the summer of 2019 from South Shields. Previously spent four years playing in Iceland with KA Akureyri and IA Akranes.

Dan Groves Defender

Sponsored by Ray Straughan Strong right footed defender with bags of energy and loves a tackle.

The experienced defender is mainly deployed at right-back. Joined the club in June 2018 from Shildon AFC.

Jack Donaghy Defender

Sponsored by David Paull A versatile player who can play anywhere on the pitch, but mainly plays at centre-back. A product of the Hornets academy, Jack made his debut in 2017 and won Player of the Year in the 2017-2018 season.

22 | @HebburnTown

Danny Carson Defender

Sponsored by Co Op Funeralcare Experienced ball-playing centre-half into his second season with Hebburn after joining the in the summer of 2019 from Morpeth Town. Played for Jarrow Roofing and South Shields before joining Morpeth.

Angelos Eleftheriadis Sponsored by Andrew Toal Defender

Defender who joined in December 2019 after a spell at Whitley Bay. Brought in primarily as the strength and conditioning coach, he has been registered as a player for cover with his vast playing experience in the Northern League and in Europe.

Louis Storey Midfielder

Carl Taylor Midfielder

Sponsored by Terry Smith Strong midfielder with bags of experience for a young age who joined the club in the summer of 2018 from South Shields. The NUFC academy graduate was made club captain in the 2019-20 season and can also play at centre-back.

Sponsored by Kevin Millar Wall & Floor Tiling Contractor: 07947159557

Midfielder who joined the club in the summer of 2019 from Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Wearside League.

Damen Mullen Midfielder Sponsored by John Havelock Senior A dynamic and experienced midfielder who joins following a long spell with Blyth Spartans. Can also play defensive midfield where he helped Morpeth Town to the FA Vase title in 2016 while on a dual registration deal.

First Team Squad Michael Richardson Midfielder Sponsored by Gavin Johnston A talented midfielder who joined the Hornets in August 2018 ahead of the 2018/2019 campaign. A NUFC academy graduate and vast experience with teams such as Blyth Spartans and South Shields FC.

Robbie Spence Midfielder

Sponsored by Julie Stokoe

Graeme Armstrong Sponsored by Tyne & Wear LGV Forward Graeme joined the club in the summer of 2018 from South Shields FC. An experienced professional who knows just where the onion bag is.

Graeme has previously played for clubs such as Whitby Town, Blyth Spartans, Darlington and Gateshead.

Talented midfielder who joined the Hornets in the summer of 2018 from Team Northumbria. Can also fill in at right-back.

Thomas Potter Midfielder

Sponsored by LLK Doors & Windows

Potter is a creative winger who can play on either side of midfield. He joined from Morpeth in December 2019 after making 34 appearances for them over the course of one-anda-half seasons. Preceding that, he played for Whitley Bay.

Michael McKeown Midfielder

Sponsored by David Thomas

Tall experienced midfielder who joined the club from Morpeth in December 2019. His most notable achievement is winning the FA Vase with his former club North Shields in 2015. He’s also played for West Auckland in the Northern League.

Amar Purewal Forward

Olly Martin Forward

Sponsored by Amber Robinson Versatile striker who joined the club in the summer of 2019 from Whitley Bay. The Newcastle United academy graduate has also played for Jarrow Roofing.

Cedwyn Scott Forward

Sponsored by CNC Photography 21-year-old striker who joined from Dunston UTS in January 2020. He has a keen eye for goal and was Dunston’s second top scorer before leaving the club. Scott has also played for Dundee, Berwick Rangers and Forfar Athletic in Scotland.

Sponsored by Three Rivers Health & Safety

A tall and skilful striker who joined this summer. Versatile with bags of experience and a good goal-scoring record having played for the likes of Durham City, Bishop Auckland Darlington FC & recently West Auckland Town.

@HebburnTown | 23

Hebburn town Management team Kevin Bolam Manager

Sponsored by Andrew Evans

Mick Mulhern Assistant Manager Sponsored by SWL Scaffolding Ltd

Kevin stepped up to the role of first team manager in the summer of 2019 following time managing the reserves who he guided to the Wearside League title in 2019.

In his first season as first team manager, he had his team well in the promotion race and reached the FA Vase semi-final.

Jason Miller Goalkeeper Coach

Experienced coach who has managed Sunderland Ladies and Whitley Bay. Has also been assistant coach of England U23s and was previously head of coaching and development at Jarrow Roofing.

Sponsored by The Autism Awareness Foundation

Goalkeeper coach who joined Kevin Bolam’s coaching team in the summer of 2019. He is a Uefa B licensed coach who is also an FA Coach Education tutor.

Physio Team: First Team Sports Therapist - Michael Patterson First Team Sports Therapist - Darren Noble Strength and Conditioning - Angelos Eleftheriadis

Match Reports

Saturday 12th December Hebburn Town 3-2 North Shields

By Jonny O'Gorman Hebburn Town survived a spell of intense late pressure to ensure their progression into the next round of the FA Vase with a 3-2 win over Northern League title rivals North Shields.

Hebburn opened the scoring through the head of captain Louis Storey in the 17th minute before a sublime Ryan Carr strike 20 minutes later levelled the scores.

Early second half goals for Hebburn from Michael Richardson and Graeme Armstrong gave the Hornets a two-goal lead. The games was not finished there, Shields pulled one back through Callum Smith in the 80th minute. Despite late Shields pressure they were unable to break the home side down and take the game to penalties.

24 | @HebburnTown

For both sides this fixture offered a welcome to competitive football after a month of no action due to the second national lockdown forcing the two teams to put a break on their high-flying campaigns.

After a drab first fifteen minutes in which neither side produced any real chances on goal, a foul on Cedwyn Scott on the half-way line allowed the home side to take full advantage of the resulting free kick. Richardson launched the ball into the area which was met by a leaping Storey who’s looping header creeped in underneath the bar.

Shields then fought their way back into the game just before half-time through Carr who after receiving the ball on the edge of the area unleashed a ferocious first time shot past a diving Mark Foden in the Hebburn goal.

The Hornets went ahead through Scott's penalty in the 36th minute.

Martin then doubled the lead with around 15 minutes to go to leave the lower league visitors a mountain to climb.

Hebburn flew out the block after the break and restored their lead in the 48th minute when Richardson received the ball in the area, danced past two North Shields defenders and slid the ball home.

Hebburn came into the game on the back of an epic FA Vase battle with North Shields in their first game post lockdown, and as a result seized the opportunity to rotate to manage fitness and give minutes to players who needed them. Among the changes were Jordan Stephenson, stepping up from the U23s, and a competitive debut for strength and conditioning coach Angelos Eleftheriadis.

The Hornets third came when Scott collected the ball on the left following a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Scott then sent a rasping shot low into the melee of players which was tapped in by Armstrong.

The Hornets saw chances go begging early on, the best of these coming for Robbie Spence who fired well over from inside the box on the end of Scott's cut-back.

After the third goal, North Shields sparked into life, taking the game to the Northern League leaders and three minutes after the home side’s third Shields headed over the bar following a great cross.

The Robins’ pressure was eventually rewarded when substitute Callum Smith smashed home their second. After the goal Shields looked confident of scoring an equaliser that would take the game to penalties and peppered the Hebburn defence with an aerial bombardment.

But the home side stood tall, dealing with everything their opponents could throw at them and denied the away side the equaliser.

Amar Purewal was involved in a number of attacks in the first-half.

His cross for Martin in the 21st minute was met by the forward who couldn't quite turn it on target.

A minute later Purewal broke again, switching the ball onto his right foot and hammering against the post.

Hebburn were well on top but their Northern Alliance visitors gave a good account of themselves, working hard and even creating some chances of their own.

The best of those chances came for Jack Robertson, who was causing the Hornets some problems from the wing, when he showed good pace to break through the Hornets defence and striking at goal which Andrew Coulson had to turn behind for a corner in the 28th minute.

The breakthrough finally came for the Hornets 10 minutes from halftime.

Scott broke into the box and was tripped by a Rutherford defender, the referee did not hesitate in awarding a penalty.

It was Hebburn's top scorer who stepped up to take it and he struck towards the left, sending former Hornet Joe Furniss the wrong way.

Scott had a strong shout for another penalty in the 57th minute when Michael McKeown found him with a fantastic lobbed pass and it looked like the forward was tripped as he broke into the area.

The pressure became intense around the 70th minute mark with a few good chances. Martin had a drilled shot cleared off the line and Carl Taylor swung in a cross which headed straight towards goal through a crowd of bodies and forced a good reaction from Furniss.

Tuesday 15th December Hebburn Town 2-0 Gateshead Rutherford

By Kieran Archer Goals from Cedwyn Scott and Olly Martin ensured Hebburn's progression in the Durham Challenge Cup and a 2-0 victory over Northern Alliance Premier Division side Gateshead Rutherford.

The pressure finally told and it was Martin finally getting his goal after being involved in a string of dangerous attacks.

He was played through on the right side of the box and he cut in onto his left foot before curling a wonderful strike into the top left corner from the edge of the box.

There were further chances for Martin, Purewal and substitute Tom Potter, but Hebburn had to settle for the two goal victory in the end.

@HebburnTown | 25

Change the conversation on mental health #headsup thefa.com/headsup

Editor’s Notes Hello and a very warm welcome back to the Green Energy Stadium for yet another massive FA Vase game against Vauxhall Motors FC. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone connected to the Motormen that is making the journey up for today's game.

It is a huge shame that we'll only be able to welcome players and officials. We visited them in the fourth round last season, and they were a brilliant, friendly club. So we're gutted that we cannot return the favour and give them the same warm welcome they gave us.

I remember that game well, it wasn't the best game of football I have seen us take part in. The wind certainly took its toll. But the important thing is we got through.

The game was settled a wonderful Olly Martin goal. I spoke to Olly for an interview this week, and he sounded in good spirit, a mood I'm sure is reflected across the squad.

However, he was frustrated at the decision of the Northern League to postpone until the new year.

This decision seems quite strange to me, it made perfect sense to postpone while fans were not allowed in, but now that we can get people through the gate I think it is about time we should be playing.

It is difficult as a football club that we are unable to play football games.

You won't meet anyone connected with Hebburn who doesn't have huge sympathy for Stockton Town as last season was abandoned with them heading for the title. we understood how frustrating it was for them. We can't help but fear, with all of these postponements, that the same could happen to our title challenge.

Today's opponents can certainly sympathise. They had mathematically won their league and had that title and promotion taken off them. We want to get this season played, football is a huge part of our lives and it is hard not knowing when we'll be back in action.

We feel we have momentum as a team and a club, and that showed in last week's performance.

On a personal note, it was a brilliant experience for me to control a live stream. To have personally broadcast a game to 235 concurrent viewers is an excellent string to my bow.

I appreciated the feedback. At first I was filming like I would for highlights. When I fell behind play as I was controlling something on the stream dashboard, I was rushing the panning of the camera back to the ball. There were some negative comments, but that allowed me to realise what I was doing wrong and make the viewing experience better for you. It was a learning curve for me.

On the pitch, what an excellent display it was.

On a surface that did not suit us, as the weather took its toll on our field, the lads performed incredibly well against a top Northern League side.

We were the better team on balance, but North Shields played well enough so that you could not begrudge them if they did take something from it, and they are very unlucky to be out of the competition so early.

As the visitors threw everyone forward as they were only a goal down late into the game, our lads dug deep and got themselves over the line and into the next round.

To come through one of the toughest teams so early in the tournament, winning such a competitive battle, that can only do wonders for confidence.

But we have another tough opponent today, as demonstrated by the narrow scoreline in the last game.

And this is cup football after all... anything can happen, and in just one game your campaign can be over.

Enjoy the game,

Kieran Archer @HebburnTown | 27

Hebburn Town

Vauxhall Motors

Manager: Kevin Bolam Start

Manager: Mike McGraa Sub

Sub

Mark Foden (GK)

Start

Ryan Crump (GK)

Dan Groves

Kyle Scarisbrick

Jack Donaghy

Greg Drummond

Darren Lough

Simon Thelwell

Danny Carson

Thomas Mitchell Joseph Heath

Angelos Eleftheriadis

Daniel Cross

Louis Storey Robbie Spence

Glenn Rule

Michael McKeown

Kyle Smith Haydn Cooper

Damen Mullen

Ben Holmes

Carl Taylor Michael Richardson Tom Potter Olly Martin

V

Amar Purewal

David Forbes Jake Hampson Kieran Hamm Noah Robson

Graeme Armstrong

Oliver Nugent

Cedwyn Scott Andy Coulson (GK) Kieran Hunter (GK) Dylan Rutherford Luke Hudson Liam Murray Jordan Stephenson Ethan Carter Innocent Chirinda Daniel Maddison

Attendance: Referee: *Graeme Hopper

MOTM: Assistant Referees: Danny Markham & Simon Williamson