Vase glory spurs Shields

David Foley celebrates after scoring South Shields’ fourth goal against Coleshill Town in their Buildbase FA Vase semi-final THE North East’s fantastic record in the FA Vase continues! A massive congratulations to South Shields who booked their place at Wembley thanks to a victory over two legs against Coleshill Town.

A 4-0 win at Mariners Park was enough to seal their passage, with an aggregate score of 6-1 in total.

It was a fantastic performance from the Northern League side. Gavin Cogdon stood out for the home side and scored a wonderful goal to put them 2-0 up. Meanwhile, captain Julio Arca, a former Sunderland player, scored the first and was also great on the day, leading his side well.

It was another day of fantastic support as South Shields’ brilliant rise continues. There was over 3,000 there to watch - all who I’m sure went home happy.

My dear friends Jan and Roz certainly were delighted as they left the ground. They could hardly speak after the celebrations.

I’m delighted for them and all involved at South Shields. A brilliant achievement.

Now, don’t just go to Wembley to make up the numbers, return home with that trophy!

Joining them on finals day at Wembley will be York City who will play in the FA Trophy final.

Geordie boy Scotty Fenwick plays for them, so a massive congratulations to him and York.

Elsewhere, not so good for Newcastle United and Hartlepool United.

The Toon were held to a draw at Birmingham, while the Pools were beaten at home by Wycombe.

In fairness to Newcastle it wasn’t a bad performance at St Andrew’s, and it’s not a terrible result either.

But for the Birmingham goal- keeper, who had the game of his life, they’d probably be returning to Tyneside with all three points.

But, a point is still a point and moves them closer to promotion after Huddersfield’s shock defeat on Friday.

If they get a point from the remainder of their away games and follow them up with home wins they’ll definitely be going up this season. Just take the positives from it and move onto the next one.

As for Hartlepool it was disappointing, but at least recent results mean that they should now be safe at least.