WEMBLEY DATE SETT IN STONE!
CONSETT AFC will be marching down to Wembley for an all-Northern League FA Vase final after this epic last-four tie with Bitton.
The Steelmen will take on league rivals Hebburn Town on September 27 after just managing to overcome their plucky west country visitors.
It took a Calvin Smith goal six minutes from the end of extra-time to send Consett to Wembley for the first time.
Played with a strong wind sweeping down the pitch this was no bore draw in normal time. The 120 minutes produced no fewer than 39 attempts at goal – midfield man Smith with the one strike that counted.
Consett manager Terry Mitchell had missed out on a trip to Wembley while coach at Gateshead back in 2011.
“Losing to Darlington in the last four was a real lowlight in my career but to take Consett to Wembley is unbelievable. What a game against Bitton, and what a goal to decide it in extra-time.
“It wasn’t about the performance. We can be much better, it was all about getting through. The lads dug deep. Bitton were a threat from set-plays in what was a really hard-fought tie.
“After the crisis the world has been in to get the chance to lead Consett out at Wembley is unbelievable.
“It’s every coach’s dream. It’s fantastic for the town and there’s no doubt we’ll sell out our allocation.”
Consett had the wind behind them in the first half and they almost had the lead inside three minutes. Luke Carr, a Vase winner with Morpeth Town, saw his free-kick tipped past the post by Bitton keeper Rob Brown.
Bitton went long against the wind and managed to get to the break without conceding. Carr was a threat and quick feet saw his toe poke go just wide, Consett stepping up the pressure. Carr and Ali Alshabeeb had chances inside the box, while Harrison Kyte dragged a shot wide at the other end.
The Western League side were much more of an attacking force after the restart, forced a flurry of corners from which captain Scott Brice headed wide.
Both goalkeepers had good days, Consett’s Kyle Hayes tipping Ash Kington’s low drive past the post.
The intensity in an absorbing tie was unrelenting as two good sides slugged it out.
The Ton almost had the lead midway through the second period. Ash Kington’s corner kick saw Groves’ header come down from the underside of the bar and then scrambled clear.
It was a let-off for the Steelmen, who were rejuvenated following the introduction of wide man Matty Cornish.
The former USA college graduate was a real threat down the left as both sides searched for an elusive opener.
McLennan struck the outside of the post in extra-time before great work from Cornish brought a dramatic late winner.
His 114th-minute low cross was slid home at the back post by Smith to seal Consett’s day of destiny beneath the arc.
“Two heavyweights went toe to toe,” said disappointed Bitton boss Dan Langdon.
“We gave it a good go. There were plenty of chances and both goalkeepers made good saves.
“It’s fine margins. Losing so late on was disappointing but we’ve just got to take it on the chin.
“It could have gone either way but it wasn’t to be. The players gave it absolutely everything.”
STAR MAN: Joe McLennan (Bitton)
ATT: 300
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Gareth Rhodes