Wembley dream is still SEMI-FINALS LOOK SET TO GO AHEAD SOS Group answers the call by renewing sponsorship
CONSETT and Hebburn Town could still walk out at Wembley after the Football Association gave a positive update on completing their national cup competitions for the 2019/20 season.
The Northern League duo both secured their places in the semifinal of the FA Vase with hard-earned wins in the weeks prior to the decision to bring a premature end to the season.
A 2-0 home win against Plymouth Parkway helped Hebburn set up a two-legged last-four tie against Southern League outfit Corinthian over two legs for the right to make a first appearance at the home of football.
Consett have also been awaiting an update from the FA after securing their own semi-final tie against Western League side Bitton with a hard-earned victory at Atherstone Town in the last eight.
An FA Council decision to ratify a move to null and void the 2019/20 season for clubs in steps three to seven of the non-league system would deny both clubs a chance to compete for a place at Wembley.
However, their hopes remain alive after the FA reiterated their intention to play the Vase decider at the national stadium and remain in close contact with the government to consider the possibility of allowing supporters to attend.
However, there was a warning for all four semi-finals as the FA stressed any decision would depend on the further lifting of restrictions to stem the pandemic.
It is understood both the FA Trophy and FA Vase finals will take place on the same day and Wembley have been approached about possible
A TEAMS Valley-based technology company has come to the aid of Blyth Spartans by renewing its sponsor deal with the National League North club.
The SOS Group joined forces with Spartans last season when it took up the sleeve sponsorship on the club’s home and away kits.
That agreement has been renewed for the 2020/21 season and the company has enhanced its strong reputation in sport by committing to increasing pitchside sponsorship and also providing the club with office equipment to help out with retail dates for non-league flagship event. Thoughts of those plans becoming a reality moved a step closer this week as the government released their framework for the return of recreational sport and guidance is also being formulated for football clubs within the national league system.
football’s operations and matchday administration.
John Behan, director at SOS Group, said: “We were proud to be sleeve sponsors of this famous football club last season and we know how tough things are as a result of the pandemic, so renewing our support was very important to us.
“This is an incredibly challenging time for all businesses.
“For football clubs, the premature end of the season was disappointing for fans and players and an awful blow financially.
“Commercial support from committed local businesses and the magnificent loyalty of fans will help secure the
The FA are also expected to announce news on the ratification of the National League’s decision to finalise their season on a points-per – game basis and league allocations for all leagues below step two of the pyramid.
That means a return to action for North East clubs in steps three to seven of the non-league system is edging closer.
Consett chairman Frank Bell said: “We are in the hands of the Government over when it is safe to play in front of a crowd again and the FA over when the games can be scheduled.
“We are
just glad our dream of future of Blyth Spartans and we are proud to play our part.”
Spartans endured a torrid time in non-league’s second tier last season as they struggled to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Only the FA’S decision to not relegate any clubs from step two prevented the Croft Park club from ending their three-year stay in the National League North.
They are now battling with off-field issues as the financial impact of the coronavirus epidemic takes hold of clubs across the non-league system.
The support of SOS Group has been welcomed by Spartans chairman Tony Platten, who expressed his gratitude to playing at Wembley is still alive after the unprecedented events of the last few months.
“Since lockdown restrictions began to be lifted we have carried out an in-depth risk assessment of measures which need to be in place in readiness for a restart and have been preparing Belle View Stadium for a safe re-opening – with all the necessary social distancing measures in place.
“Our first team will begin sociallydistanced training soon and whenever the FA give us the green light to play again I am sure Terry and his staff will have the lads ready for the biggest game in the club’s history.”
We are just glad our dream of playing at Wembley is still
alive after the events of the last few months Consett’s Frank Bell
the company for continuing a “successful partnership”.
He said: "At the moment, our supporters cannot cheer the team on the pitch but they are doing their best to help the club away from it.
“We are grateful to SOS Group for renewing their support for Blyth Spartans at this crucial time and it is great to build on our already successful relationship.
“We thank SOS Group for their generous support for Blyth Spartans and also recognise their wider contribution to our local communities."
There was more good news for the club this week as their ‘Future Fund’ fundraiser surpassed the £8,000 mark.