Vase final in May?

CONSETT and Hebburn Town could still walk out at Wembley this season as the Football Association targets a May date for the FA Vase final.

The Northern League rivals were set to meet at the home of football last May after coming through challenging semi-final ties in a competition which has provided the North East with a regular source of success over the last 12 years.

However, the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions in March led to the 2019/20 season being declared null and void for clubs plying their trade in steps three to six of the non-league system.

The FA Vase decider between the two North East clubs was scheduled before the FA Trophy final at Non-League Finals Day on May 17 last year.

That date was scrapped but the FA has since told the clubs which have made it through to the final of the competitions it is committed to completing both fixtures at Wembley.

The governing body sent a statement to clubs still in both of this season’s competitions earlier this week confirming it is looking to resume ties in April.

It is believed the intention is to hold the finals of last season’s Vase and Trophy in May.

No dates for either final have been finalised – although the expected return of supporters to stadiums in the middle of May could play a key role in any decision.

THE Ebac Northern League have confirmed they are looking to holding a cup competition during April and May.

The league has contacted their 40 member clubs to give them an option to take part in the competition after the FA revealed that the season was to be curtailed with immediate effect.

A number of options have been made available to clubs for the layout of the competition, including the possibility of holding separate competitions for Division One and Division Two.

Entry into the cup competition would not be mandatory and any club that decides against taking part will not face a penalty.