Oliver so relieved as depleted Hebburn survive early discomfort

HEBBURN Town manager Scott Oliver believes his side “dodged a bullet” in their FA Vase fourth-round win against Shepshed Dynamo.

The Hornets suffered an uncomfortable opening 40 minutes to the tie as the Midland League club took the lead with a goal from Joe Pheasant just after the half-hour.

Things could have been even worse for Oliver had Dynamo striker Karl Whymark not missed a penalty five minutes before half-time.

Goals either side of the break from Michael Richardson and Luke Sullivan ensured Hebburn took their place in today’s fifth-round draw and Oliver admitted there was a sense of relief at full-time.

The former Birtley Town manager said: “We dodged a bullet on Saturday.

“We had key players missing, three of our back-four were out injured and we lost Matty Tumilty early on.

“We went behind, they missed a penalty and we had to fight and scrap to get through - but we did it.

“We don’t care who we get or if it is at home or away.

“Everyone wants a home draw but we are better away from home, so let’s just wait and see.

“Either way, these are exciting times for the club.”

The Hornets were joined in today’s draw by West Auckland Town after they saw off Northern League rivals Stockton Town with a goal in the last minute of extra time from Lewis Dodds.

Newcastle Benfield paid the price for a poor first-half display as they were put out of the Vase by Northwich Victoria.

Some lacklustre defending saw the visitors take a three-goal lead into half-time as Joel Brownhill, Harvey Whyte and Matthew Clarke all found the target.

Benfield captain Mark Turnbull and substitute Dennis Knight grabbed second-half counters as their side threatened a comeback.

However, they were unable to find an equaliser.