DUNSTON TO COMMEMORATE FA VASE ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

DUNSTON UTS will mark the tenth anniversary of their FA Vase win by taking on a Whitley Bay side made up of some of the most successful players in the history of the competition.

Alongside former assistant Tony Harrison, Irwin will lead Dunston’s 2012 FA Vase winners once again as they face a Whitley Bay squad containing players from their triple Vase-winning sides.

The likes of Wembley goalscoring heroes Andrew Bulford and Paul Chow will pull on their boots once again as the two sides go head-tohead to celebrate their achievements in a competition that has become synonymous with North East success.

The game will take place at Dunston’s UTS Stadium this afternoon (2pm kick-off) and all gate receipts raised on the day will be donated to St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the chosen charity of former Bay star Mark Taylor.

Irwin admitted the reunion of his former players will be an emotional occasion but stressed the importance will be place upon fund-raising for a special cause.

“Mark Taylor wanted the money to go to St Oswald’s Hospice and it’s something that means a lot to our committee and myself,” he told The Journal.

“The important thing is the fundraising with St Oswalds and getting as much money together as we can for them.

“Obviously, we want to win and our Wembley squad are still close, we still have a WhatsApp group and we get together a few times a year.

“It will probably be a bit emotional being back in the dressing room with the lads because they are such a good group.

“They are an old school group, there are some brilliant lads in there and they all still get on but, knowing them as I do, I know they will also be very determined to win the game.

“It should be a great day for everyone involved.”

Current Dunston manager Chris Swailes will be part of Irwin’s squad after the former Ipswich Town and Bury centre-back played a significant role in their Wembley triumph against then-Northern League rivals West Auckland Town.

Despite his current position at the club and his form during the run to Wembley, Irwin joked that Swailes is far from guaranteed a place in his starting lineup.

“Swaz was great for us and he is a great lad,” said the Dunston legend.

“But that doesn’t mean he will get a start, I might have to take him outside of the dressing room and have a quiet word to explain any decision I take.

“He’ll have to earn a start like anyone.”

Admission for the game will be £3 for adults and £2 for under-16’s and concessions.