Vase semi-finalists left in limbo
NORTHERN League duo Consett and Hebburn Town have told of their frustration over the postponement of their respective FA Vase semi-final ties, writes Mark Carruthers.
Both clubs have embarked on record-breaking runs after making their way to the last four of the competition for the first time in their history.
Consett were finalising preparations to face Western League club Bitton and league rivals Hebburn were set to face Southern Counties East League side Corinthian for the right to walk out at Wembley on Noneveryone
League Finals Day in May.
But all plans have now been placed on hold after the Football Association informed clubs that they have decided to postpone all matches across their national competitions with the Covid-19 outbreak continuing to escalate.
Consett chairman Frank Bell admitted the move was “clearly disappointing” but stressed that he understood why the course of action had been taken.
He told The NLP: “This is once in a lifetime stuff, but we have to think of the welfare of
involved in football and in society. Clearly as a club, we want to make history, and I hope we get the chance to do that at some point in the future.”
Bell’s disappointment and understanding were mirrored by Hebburn boss Kevin Bolam.
He added: “It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, but it’s understandable to be honest.
“We are all flat as pancakes at the moment, we are so close to Wembley. We just have to try and get through it but we are praying that the fixtures in the competition will get sorted at some point.”