THE HORNETS | Hebburn Town V Long Eaton United | Play-Off Semi Final | Issue 57

PLAY-OFF SEMI FINAL

TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2023 | 7:45PM KICK-OFF

ISSUE 57

FROM THE DUGOUT

DANIEL MOORE

WELCOME

TO THE GREEN ENERGY

SPORTS GROUND FOR TODAY'S PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINAL.

It’s a one-off game and anything can happen here tonight.

We’re at home and we’ve prepared for it correctly - it’s another cup final for us. We’ve not done anything yetwe’ve just extended the season for me but the lads deserve this.

The lads were absolutely brilliant on Saturdaywe've been waiting for a performance like that at home all season.

I kept the players on the pitch at full-time because I wanted them to

feel the appreciation from the supporters. It was fantastic to see over 600 people there - it's no coincide that we play well when there's a large crowd behind us. Lads have got little knocks because Saturday was tough, which is part and parcel of this stage of the season.

Jack Donaghy had to miss out because he didn't pass a fitness test with his hamstring. He might be ready for toda deserve the big have to him wh possibl

Joe Walton has been struggling with his calf for a while - we decided to throw him in on Saturday which was a risk since he hadn't played in a month or two.

I like to think I'm learning all the time, every manager will tell you that no matter the level.

I can draw upon my experience with Shildon from last season and I hope to use it now. Finally, a huge thanks for your support this season

ON THE PITCH ROBBIE SPENCE

EVENING AND THANKS FOR ATTENDING TONIGHT'S GAME

AGAINST LONG EATON.

Tonight's game has got to be up there in terms of the biggest game I've played. Of course the FA Vase is up there, but you also want to play in the highest league possible. Personally, I've never played in a play-off game. I'm looking forward to tonight's game against Long Eaton - we didn't perform well enough both times we played them during the season. We need to make sure we're on it for the full 90 minutes today. When we faced

them in March, the first half was very poor. The biggest positive we can take though is that the second half against them was brilliant and we looked totally in control. We got two goals back but fell short in the last minute with a free-kick. There are a lot of things we can look back on from that second 45 and take into today's game. It's huge that we've got the home advantage. Not only for the very long travel on a Tuesday night, but for the home crowd as well.

The support against Cleethorpes was excellent so fingers crossed we can get that again tonight because it really makes a difference.

I want to personally say thank you for your support this season - it's massively appreciated by the players and staff.

Now let's have one more push and get the job done tonight.

Hebburn Town are delighted to announce the club’s first team coaching staff have signed new deals.

First-team manager Daniel Moore, alongside his backroom team of Mark Hudson, Simon Harris and Carl Morris, have committed their futures to Hebburn until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Moore has enjoyed great success during his first season at The Green Energy Sports Ground, with Hebburn cementing a playoff place (following the highest finish in the cub's history) and reaching the Durham Challenge Cup Final which will be played next month.

Club Chairman, Vin Pearson, stated: “I’m over the moon Daniel and his staff have agreed to these deals.

“They are great people who

have brought such a good vibe to the football club.

“They have a strong work ethic and have set some high standards that have not just helped the team progress, but also created an ethos across the full club that is inclusive and supportive.

“I’m excited about the future here with these lads at the helm.”

The club will be holding an evening session with the management team towards the end of the season, where supporters can put their questions to Moore and his staff.

PRESENTATION

We're delighted to reveal the details of the club's 2022/23 Presentation Weekend.

We'll be hosting our End of Season Presentation at Hebburn Sports Club across 12 different sessions between May 19 to 21. After FA Wildcats & Mashup kick off the weekend, the club's senior sides will celebrate on the Friday night with players, committee members and guests present. We'll then celebrate the success of our Junior sides across Saturday and Sunday, each session taking around two hours. Due to safety reasons, there will be limited numbers allowed in the marquee therefore each child will receive two wristbands for parents (players do not need a wristband themselves).

Yellow and black ties can be purchased before the event and cost £5 each. We ask those with vehicles to park sensibly and be mindful of our neighbours. A full breakdown of the weekend's schedule can be found on our club website. We celebrated last year's presentation with over 1000 players, parents and guests and we can't wait for this season's event.

"WE HAD A GREAT CROWD THERE ON SATURDAY, AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET EVEN MORE TONIGHT. WE'VE GOT SOME OF THE BEST SUPPORTERS AROUNDTHEY'RE TREMENDOUS."

VIN VIN

PEARSON PEARSON

CLUB CHAIRMAN CLUB CHAIRMAN

A thrilling encounter saw Amar Purewal, Robbie Spence and Olly Martin score

on Saturday.

With results going their way, The Hornets finished the season in third place and secured a play-off place in the process.

Player-manager Daniel Moore played a long ball forward on three minutes and a rush of blood came to the head of Cleethorpes keeper James McKeown, allowing Purewal to take it past the shot-stopper and roll it home.

And moments later, Hebburn almost found a second as another defensive error was capitalised by Martin but the foot of the post denied him. On 13 minutes, Cleethorpes found an equaliser as Sam

Topliss drove a neat strike into the bottom corner from distance.

Straight after the break, Hebburn regained the lead as Purewal received Jake Hackett's cross and set Spence to smash into the back of the net.

There were no signs of slowing down as Purewal raced into the area and was tripped by substitute Josh Smaller, allowing Martin to step up and confidently dispatch the penalty.

Hebburn continued to attack in the second half but there was little goalmouth action, with Spence coming closest after heading over from a Arron Thompson corner on 78 minutes.

"WE'VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE. WE OWE LONG EATON ONE BECAUSE THEY BEAT US TWICE. WE'LL GIVE IT EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT TONIGHT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS." PUREWAL PUREWAL AMAR AMAR

AN INTRODUCTION

PLAYER SPONSORS

We take a look at Long Eaton United's history ahead of today's semi-final. Long Eaton United were founded in 1956 and have played at Grange Park ever since. Their first five seasons were in the Central Alliance League, before joining the Midland League in 1961.

Long Eaton won the Derbyshire Senior Cup in 1965 and again in 1976, beating Alfreton and Matlock Town. They remained in the Midland League until a merger with the Yorkshire League made The Blues founder members of the Northern Counties East League in 1982. A spell in the NCEL Premier Division following promotion was short lived due to ground grading requirements, and by 1989 they were moved down to the Central Midlands League. They promptly returned to

the NCEL in 1992 and were promoted to the

Premier Division two years later. They remained there until they were reassigned to the Midland Football League in 2014, although this time it was a lateral move. After a more recent reshuffle meant the club moved to the United Counties Football League Premier Division North, Ian Deakin’s side were crowned champions at the end of last season and moved into the NPL for the first time in their history. Long Eaton have significantly impressed this campaign and qualified for the play-offs after finishing fourth in the league table. They also enjoyed a run in the Emirates FA Cup, forcing a replay against step three Gainsborough Trinity.

PLAYER SPONSORS THE FINAL DAY

BY DAVID COULTHARD

Long Eaton concluded the campaign in fourth position - the highest in their history. Long Eaton United finished their regular Pitching In Northern Premier League season with a 3-0 win over Brighouse Town at Grange Park on Saturday to secure their play-off spot. They made the perfect start when striker Alex Marshall grabbed the only

goal of the first half in the second minute, heading beyond Jamie Hassall in the Brighouse goal following a long throw in.

Marshall was then replaced by Tom Cursons at the interval, who netted a matter of minutes into the second period with a clever finish inside the area. The points were made safe when Jamie Walker grabbed his 22nd of the season, rising to beat Hassall with a glancing header after 71 minutes.

Bues manager Ian Deakin was delighted with the performance, commenting:

"I'm really proud - the lads have given everything this year. There is now just one final hurdle that we have to get across."

PHOTOS:ROBERTMCNEIL

KEY PLAYERS

PLAYER SPONSORS

THE GAFFER

Deakin masterminded Long Eaton's step four title win last campaign and has built on that with a play-off finish.

As a goalkeeper, Deakin formerly played for Mansfield Town and he currently works there behind the scenes. He also lists Eastwood Town, Buxton and Shaw Lane among his previous clubs.

Deakin's first management role came at Kimberley Miners Welfare before he gained two promotions as player/assistant at Ilkeston Town. He joined Long Eaton at the end of 2019/20.

SHOT-STOPPER

Durrant, who has previously won this league, has only made three appearances.

The 27-year-old only joined Long Eaton last month to battle Sam Wilson for the number one spot, and he played the final three games of the season.

Durrant, a product of Nottingham Forest, has a range of experience with the likes of Boston United, Alfreton and Matlock Town. The goalkeeper enjoyed a three-year stint with Ilkeston Town, winning this league last year, before briefly joining Belper Town at the start of the campaign.

ROCK SOLID

The left-footed centreback recently dropped out the professional game.

Cox came through Sheffield Wednesday's youth set-up, signing a contract and representing the U23s. The 21-year-old then played for Redditch United and Chasetown before moving to Long Eaton in September 2022.

Alongside captain Sam Parker, he's the only Long Eaton man who played the full 180 minutes against Hebburn this season. In total he's made 31 appearances, scoring five times.

Ian Deakin

Ross Durrant

Luke Cox

PLAYER SPONSORS

IN THE MIDDLE

Having joined Long Eaton in August 2020, the holding midfielder has been the spine of Ian Deakin's side.

Gordon played for the likes of Heanor Town and Mickleover Sports, as well as captaining Ilkeston. He joined Belper Town in 2019 and impressed as they finished fourth in this league during the curtailed COVID-19 season.

Gordon also caught headlines after scoring a screamer away to Notts County in the FA Cup.

Following his departure from Belper, he has now made 90 appearances for Long Eaton.

DANGER MAN

Lively target man Marshall found the net on Saturday - his ninth goal of the season.

The striker, whose brother Tom also plays for Long Eaton, had a short spell with The Blues in 2016/17. He signed for Ilkeston Town and scored 23 times in 2017/18, before winning the Midland Football League title the following campaign. Marshall then rejoined Long Eaton in 2020, scoring 13 goals in the same number of games before that season was cancelled.

Last year, Marshall's tally was 29 from 36 appearances in the league below.

ONE TO WATCH

The electrifying winger has scored 22 goals from 42 appearances this season.

Walker, now in his second spell with Long Eaton, has previously played for Basford United and Carlton Town.

The wideman also helped Ilkeston Town to the Midland Football League title in 2018/19 with 24 goals for The Robins.

He was reunited with Ian Deakin at Long Eaton in 2020, and recently won their Supporters' Player of the Season award. Walker scored a 95th minute winner against Hebburn the last time both sides met.

Danny Gordon

Alex Marshall

Jamie Walker

PLAYER SPONSORS

PLAYER SPONSORS

DANIEL MOORE

SPONSOREDBY:

SIMON JOHNSON

SIMON HARRIS

SPONSOREDBY:

SHAUN NEWBROOK

SPONSOREDBY:

DAVE

MCALISTER & ANTH HANLEY

MATTY BATEMAN

SPONSOREDBY:

MARK HUDSON SPONSOREDBY:

SPONSOREDBY:

KIERAN CHARLTON

SPONSOREDBY:

FAMILY

MICHAEL PATTERSON

SPONSOREDBY:

CARL MORRIS PETER STOKER

PETER STOKER

ANDY COULSON SPONSOREDBY:

COLIN SMITH

DAN GROVES

SPONSOREDBY:

RAY STRAUGHAN

JACK DONAGHY

SPONSOREDBY:

GRAHAM & MATTY DUGGAN DAVID PAULL THE CHAPMAN

GABRIEL BADA

SPONSOREDBY:

THE SATURDAY SPORTSY CLUB

NATHAN SIMPSON

SPONSOREDBY:

IN MEMORY OF DAVID CURRY AND HIS HALF-TIME BOVRILS

JAKE HACKETT

SPONSOREDBY:

WAYNE PHILLIPS

SPONSOREDBY:

ARRON THOMPSON

SPONSOREDBY: THE LEONARD TWINS (GILL & NICHOLA)

JOE WALTON

SPONSOREDBY:

WILLMCCAMLEY

SPONSOREDBY:

DANIEL & LUCY LONGSTAFF

LIAM MURRAY

SPONSOREDBY:

STEVE BREWIS ADVANCED SCHOOL OF MOTORING

SEAN REID

SPONSOREDBY:

ROBBIE SPENCE

SPONSOREDBY:

JULIE STOKOE

LIAM HENDERSON

SPONSOREDBY:

GAVIN JOHNSTON

OLLY MARTIN

SPONSOREDBY: THE ROBINSON FAMILY

HARRY LOUGHLIN

SPONSOREDBY:

JAMES CUMMINS & STEPHEN HYMERS

AMAR PUREWAL

SPONSOREDBY:

TERRY SMITH

JAMES HARRISON

SPONSOREDBY:

STEPHEN RUTHERFORD

PLAYER SPONSORS

COMING UP DURHAM CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

U23S REPORT

NOTICEBOARD

Our U23s strengthened their grip on second place in the Northern Alliance table last night.

Gary Henry's side went into Monday evening's clash at North Shields Athletic following a 5-0 win at Wallsend Boys Club.

And the U23s started from where they left off, with a 2-1 victory in North Tyneside courtesy of goals from Robbie Gateshill and Ryan Hardie.

"We were excellent from start to finish," reviewed manager Henry.

"It was a complete contrast to last week when we got beat 4-2 off North Shields.

"We dominated the game from start to finish but their keeper pulled off some great saves.

"The lads were 1-0 down at the break after a silly goal, but credit to them because we stuck at it and kept pressing.

"We knew there'd be goals in it for us, and thankfully we got two in the second half."

Next up for the U23s, attention turns to Saturday's home game against Newcastle Blue Star Reserves.

"We owe them one," said Henry.

"There were quite a few lads missing against North Shields and with that performance, it'll be hard to pick a squad.

"We always want the lads to earn their shirts so that's a good headache for us to have.

"We go into the game full of confidence - the lads have been playing really well.

"The teams around us have got games in hand but we're just focusing on ourselves, and anything can happen during the final few matches."

QUIZ CORNER

PLAYER SPONSORS NAME THE PLAYER

QUESTIONS

WHO SCORED OUR FIRST LEAGUE GOAL OF THE SEASON?

HOW MANY GOALS HAS LIAM MURRAY BAGGED?

WHICH TWO TEAMS DID WE SCORE FIVE AGAINST?

WHAT NUMBER OF CLEAN SHEETS DOES SHAUN NEWBROOK HAVE?

WHO WAS OUR FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON AGAINST?

BRIDLINGTON TOWN

BRIGHOUSE TOWN

DANIEL MOORE

SHAUN NEWBROOK

ANDY COULSON

MATTY BATEMAN

KIERAN CHARLTON

TOM DEVITT

JACK DONAGHY

DAN GROVES

JAKE HACKETT

WILL MCCAMLEY

LIAM MURRAY

WAYNE PHILLIPS

SEAN REID

NATHAN SIMPSON

ROBBIE SPENCE

ARRON THOMPSON

JOE WALTON

JAMES HARRISON

LIAM HENDERSON

HARRY LOUGHLIN

OLLY MARTIN

MANAGER OFFICIALS

MANAGER

IAN DEAKIN

ROSS DURANT

SAM WILSON

LUKE COX

RIECE BERTRAM

LARELL KING

SAM PARKER

KEIRAN WALKER

BRAD WILSON

CALLUM MINKLEY

DANNY GORDON

CURTIS DAVIES

TOM MARSHALL

JAMIE WALKER

BEN HUTCHINSON

ASHIAH FEARON

MICAH JEBBISON

ALEX MARSHALL

TOM CURSONS

JACK ROGERS

AMAR PUREWAL REFEREE: JAMIE CANN

ASSISTANTS: THOMAS JAMES & LEWIS HARDY

FOURTH OFFICIAL: MARK BELL

CARLTON TOWN

CLEETHORPES TOWN

CONSETT

DUNSTON

GRANTHAM TOWN

GRIMSBY BOROUGH

HEBBURN TOWN

LINCOLN UNITED

LONG EATON UNITED

NORTH SHIELDS

OSSETT UNITED

PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES

SHEFFIELD SHILDON

STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS

STOCKTON TOWN

TADCASTER ALBION

WORKSOP TOWN