Report

A rare goal from Matty Slocombe proved to be the difference as Consett beat an English Universities XI 1-0 in their last pre-Wembley friendly.

Blyth Spartans’ Croft Park ground was the venue for the behind-closed-doors game against coach Andy Coyles’ students, who had beaten National League North side Chorley 4-1 on Friday night.

Darren Holden rolled a shot inches wide at one end while Consett keeper Kyle Hayes stood up well to save in a one-on-one in the best two chances of a goalless first half.

What proved to be the winning goal came in the 54th minute, when Matty Slocombe smashed a rocket shot into the top corner when a half-cleared corner fell to him outside the box.

It was a well-contested game of very few clear-cut chances, though Consett were grateful to Hayes for a late save which preserved their lead and meant they finished their FA Vase final preparations with a win. Next stop … Wembley!

CONSETT: 1 Kyle Hayes, 2 Jermaine Metz (sub Nick Allen 74), 3 Darren Holden 4 Calvin Smith, 5 Arjun Purewal (captain), 6 Ross Wilkinson (sub Simon Jakab 69), 7 Carl Lawson (sub Luke Carr 55), 8 Matty Slocombe (sub Max Russell 69), 9 Dale Pearson (sub Dan Marriott 74), 10 Matty Cornish, 11 Nick Allen (sub Lewis Green 69).

ENGLISH UNIVERSITIES XI: not available.