Tag: Hebburn Town

football writers

Consett pick up a Football Writers’ Association award for their FA Vase exploits

Consett have been recognised by the region’s football writers for making club history by reaching the 2020 FA Vase final.

The North East Football Writers’ Association (FWA) held its awards dinner last night at Ramside Hall in Durham, and the club received an award, as did our Wembley opponents Hebburn Town.

Consett AFC chairman Frank Bell and his Hebburn counterpart Vin Pearson took to the stage together to receive awards recognising their clubs’ part in helping non-league football in the region thrive.

The game on 3 May last year was a wonderful advert for the Northern League, ending 3-2 to Hebburn after Consett twice took the lead.

As well as recognising the clubs’ achievements on the field, the awards recognised the part they played during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping their local communities and supporting the NHS.

Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hartlepool United were all represented, with the Magpies’ joint-owner Amanda Staveley collecting Allan Saint-Maximin’s award as North East FWA Player of the Year. Middlesbrough’s Jonny Howson won the 2020 award.

Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara received the Personality of the Year award for 2021, while Sunderland AFC’s Luke O’Nien picked up the 2020 award, after last year’s dinner was cancelled.

Durham Women duo Beth Hepple and Sarah Robson received the FWA Women’s Player of the Year awards for 2020 and 2021 respectively.

There were other awards for Hartlepool United, their captain Anthony Sweeney, Middlesbrough’s Marcus Tavernier, Sunderland’s Dan Neil, ex-Black Cats player and long-serving kitman John Cooke, and awards organiser Colin Young.

Funds raised on the night were donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which has raised over £16m to benefit cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and plays a significant role in the international fight against the disease.

  • Thanks to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for the picture of Frank Bell and Vin Pearson.

fa vase final

Consett manager Terry Mitchell proud of his team, despite FA Vase final defeat

Consett AFC manager Terry Mitchell has spoken of his pride in his team, despite defeat in yesterday’s FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium.

His side took the game to their opponents, who were favourites to win, and twice took the lead in a thrilling first half, through Ali Alshabeeb and Dale Pearson.

Hebburn scored quick equalisers after both goals, however, and went on to grab a late winner through sub Olly Martin.

After the match, Terry – who lost key midfielder Jake Orrell midway through the first half after a worrying collision – said he was proud of his team.

“We’re obviously very disappointed to have lost, but I couldn’t be any prouder of the players.

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Consett line-up before the start of the FA Vase final. Pic: John Paul Hardy.

“I thought we played particularly well in the first half, but we just couldn’t quite continue in the way we should have done in the second half.”

Terry admitted Consett were tactically naive in conceding goals so soon after scoring, and said his side wil have to improve their game management.

“Typical, isn’t it? A football team’s always most vulnerable after they’ve just scored. Was it the naivety of our lads?

“We were only in the lead for about five minutes. It was two minutes the first time, three minutes on the second.

“But it’s been an absolutely magnificent two days. To step out there was brilliant.”

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Players of both Consett and Hebburn had given their all by the end of an exhausting FA Vase final. Pic: Gary Welford.
fa vase final

Consett AFC chairman congratulates Hebburn Town on FA Vase win – and says ‘Now go and do it again’

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell today congratulated opponents Hebburn Town on yesterday’s FA Vase win – and told them: “Now go and win it for the Northern League again.”

Frank was devastated after seeing the Steelmen throw away the lead twice at Wembley, before conceding a late goal to lose the delayed 2019-20 final 3-2.

But he was magnanimous in his praise for the victors, who could yet go on to retain the trophy, as they are still involved in the latter stages of the 2020-21 competition.

“I’d like to congratulate Hebburn Town on their win. We gave it our all, but it wasn’t quite enough, and they are worthy winners.

“I would like to personally thank all the senior guys at Hebburn, who have been a pleasure to deal with over the last few months as we worked together to try to make the final happen.

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The small contingent of Hebburn Town officials who were allowed to attend the behind-closed-doors 2020 FA Vase final. Pic: Gary Welford.

“With a heavy heart, I’d like to congratulate them on their win, and wish them all the very best in the new Step 4 league next season.

“They also have a really good chance of winning it again. They have a quarter-final at Warrington Rylands on Saturday, and a home semi-final if they win that.

“I wish them the best of luck and hope they go on to represent the Northern League in the final as well as they did yesterday.

“We played our part in an excellent match, but I think the fact they’d had a couple of challenging games in this season’s competition, whereas we’d mostly been playing friendlies, made a difference.

“Our lads performed really well and I’m very proud of them, but the last 20 minutes took its toll on that giant Wembley carpet, and they had more players who had 90 minutes under their belt.”

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Hebburn Town captain Louis Storey and his team-mates celebrate winning the 2020 FA Vase. Pic: Gary Welford.
jake orrell

Jake Orrell injury update: Midfielder is fine after being knocked out in FA Vase final

Consett AFC have today revealed that midfielder Jake Orrell, who was stretchered off during yesterday’s FA Vase final, isn’t as seriously injured as first feared.

The 23-year-old midfielder was knocked unconscious in an aerial challenge in the 23rd minute of the game against Hebburn Town at Wembley.

There was a long hold-up as Consett’s physios assessed him, and then handed over to the stadium’s specialist head trauma team.

Jake, who was an ever-present during the Vase run, was stretchered away and taken to hospital for scans.

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This is the incident during yesterday’s FA Vase final which saw Jake Orrell stretchered off and taken to hospital. Pic: Gary Welford.

Happily, after a thorough examination he was released, and was able to travel home today with the rest of the players, who stayed in London overnight.

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell said: “The good news is Jake is out of hospital and he’s fine, apart from a bit of a sore head this morning.

“He was caught by a stray arm or elbow and was knocked unconscious, and it was very worrying when he was down for such a long time.

“Our physios Rachel Davison and Gavin Scott did a great job in getting to him and assessing him so quickly, and then handing over to the FA medical team when they realised the seriousness of the incident.

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Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell praised club physios Rachel Davison and Gavin Scott for their quick actions. Pic: John Paul Hardy.

“The FA specialist head trauma team followed all the protocols for a head injury, getting him into a stable position, conscious again and sending him to hospital, where he was thoroughly checked over.

“It was definitely a blow losing him so early in the game, as he’s a very good player, but it also shows the value of having properly-trained people in place to deal with instances like this.

“The main thing is Jake’s fine, and I’m delighted to say that in the week running up to the final he agreed a new long-term contract with the club. It’s great to have him on board.”

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Consett midfielder Jake Orrell was stretchered off after being knocked unconscious. Pic: John Paul Hardy.

FA Vase final: Consett do the town proud despite suffering late Wembley heartache

Consett suffered late heartbreak at Wembley in today’s FA Vase final, conceding an 84th-minute goal to lose 3-2 to Northern League rivals Hebburn Town.

Terry Mitchell’s side took the game to their opponents from the start, and led twice in the first half, but were immediately pegged back both times.

Ali Alshabeeb gave the Steelmen the lead in the 18th minute when he went round Hebburn keeper Mark Foden and fired home from an acute angle.

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Ali Alshabeeb opens the scoring for Consett in the FA Vase final. Pic: Gary Welford.

However, the lead lasted less than a minute, as Hebburn went straight up the other end to equalise through Amar Purewal.

Consett suffered a big setback midway through the half when Jake Orrell was knocked out in an aerial challenge and had to be stretchered off.

In the 42nd minute Consett regained the lead when good work by Jermaine Metz down the right set up Dale Pearson, who beat his man and fired into the corner to make it 2-1.

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Dale Pearson fires home to make the score 2-1 to Consett. Pic: John Paul Hardy.

Two minutes later the scores were level again, when Consett keeper Kyle Hayes made a good save from Louis Storey, but Michael Richardson reacted quickest to the loose ball to make it 2-2.

The second half couldn’t live up to the frantic pace of the first, though Graeme Armstrong had a good chace to put Hebburn ahead in the 56th minute.

Consett had a couple of decent chances of their own, but Calvin Smith and Luke Carr couldn’t find the target.

The goal which broke Consett hearts came in the 84th minute, when Richardson set up Hebburn sub Olly Martin to finish from close range at the far post.

Consett had more than played their part in a pulsating final, but although they did the town proud, it was promotion-bound Hebburn who became the eighth different Northern League club to lift the FA Vase.

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The Consett players and staff huddle together after the game. Pic: Gary Welford.
  • Full match report and more pictures to follow.

online abuse

How Consett AFC is backing the campaign to stop online abuse on social media

Consett AFC have today added their voice to this weekend’s sporting boycott of social media, in a bid to stop online abuse.

However, as it covers the biggest game in our clubs’ history, the FA Vase Final v Hebburn Town on Monday, 3 May, we – like our opponents – will only be taking part in a partial boycott.

An announcement was made by the FA last Saturday that the Premier League, EFL, WSL, LMA, PGMOL, PFA, FSA and Kick it Out will boycott social media updates between 3pm today and 11.59pm on Monday.

This is a response to the sustained discriminatory abuse aimed at players, officials, management and other personnel involved in the game of football.

Online abuse

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell said: “It is important to note that Consett AFC wholeheartedly supports this campaign against online abuse.

“However, the weekend the FA has chosen to run this campaign coincides with Non-League Finals Day and the greatest match for the club in its 122-year history.

“This match will be played behind closed doors, which makes it even more important for us to keep our fans and other non-league followers updated and informed of events surrounding the 2019-20 FA Vase Final. 

“After discussions with the FA, it has been agreed that we will support this social media boycott from 3pm on Friday until 6pm on Saturday 1 May.

Bigger impact

“Clearly, we are disappointed that once again it is non-league football that is suffering, and did suggest that the campaign would have a bigger impact over the weekend of the FA Cup Final, but this was rejected by the FA.

“This has been a very difficult decision for the club to make, given that we as a club completely support the principles of the boycott.

“However, given the extreme circumstances we have been left with, we have compromised, in agreement with the FA, whilst considering the needs and welfare of our supporters, who have suffered enough mental challenges during the last year.”

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FA Vase final: BT Sport to show Consett v Hebburn for free – this is how you can watch

BT Sport has announced that supporters will be able to tune in for free to the Consett vs Hebburn Town FA Vase showdown.

Despite lengthy attempts by both clubs, the delayed 2019-20 final is being played behind closed doors at Wembley Stadium on Monday 3 May.

But supporters of both clubs, and others elsewhere around the country, will be able to enjoy the game live from the comfort of their own home.

BT Sport has announced that both games from Non League Finals Day – our Vase match and then the FA Trophy final between Harrogate Town and Concord Rangers – will be free to air across a range of platforms.

Non-subscribers can watch all the action on the BT Sport website and App, and also on channel 100 on both Sky Television and Virgin Media.

Head of BT Sport Simon Green said: “Following a period when many lower-league football fans have been unable to watch their sides, we hope our coverage will provide them with an opportunity to watch an exciting Non-League Finals Day live from Wembley Stadium.”

fa vase final

FA Vase final: Consett AFC issue special Wembley souvenir – here’s how to get it

Consett AFC are counting down to the biggest day in the club’s history, when they take on fellow Northern League side Hebburn Town in the FA Vase final at Wembley on May 3.

Sadly, the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown means the game will take place behind closed doors, with only a few representatives of either club present, instead of thousands of supporters.

The fact there will be no crowd means The FA won’t be issuing an official match programme, to the disappointment of fans and collectors alike.

However, conscious of the fact that many people tuning in to watch the game live on BT Sport will want a souvenir of the big day, Consett AFC have produced their own.

It’s a bumper 48-page full colour Special Wembley Edition of our matchday programme The Steelman – that’s 50% bigger than usual.

Road to the FA Vase final

Produced by programme editor Gary Welford in association with non-league programme specialists FootiePrint.co.uk, it’s packed with features and pictures from our road to Wembley.

There are exclusive articles by chairman Frank Bell, manager Terry Mitchell, captain Arjun Purewal – who could be facing his twin brother Amar! – and North East football writer Mark Carruthers.

Arj also takes us inside the dressing room, while midfield maestro Luke Carr tells us what it’s like to play, score and win the FA Vase final at Wembley, and there’s a selection of fans’ good luck messages to the lads for the big day.

We turn the spotlight on our opponents too, looking at their route to the final, and the players we’ll face under the shadow of the famous arch.

The Special Wembley Edition is £4 to click and collect, or £5 to have posted out to you. To order yours, call in at the club between 9.30am-10pm Monday-Friday, email consettafc@live.co.uk or call (01207) 588886 and we’ll tell you how you can pay.

Virtual match tickets, priced £8, are also available, along with special FA Vase commemorative shirts and banners. Every ticket purchased will help local youth causes and the If U Care Share Foundation, which works to prevent suicides.

Consett AFC are selling virtual tickets to raise money for good causes. They do not give access to the game or BT Sport’s live coverage.

FA Vase final kick-off time confirmed

The kick-off time for Consett’s FA Vase final at Wembley against Hebburn Town has today been confirmed as 1pm.

The game, which is held over from the 2019-20 season, will be played behind closed doors, but is being televised live by BT Sport.

It will be followed by the delayed 2020 FA Trophy final between Concord Rangers and Harrogate Town, which is also being screened live.

The FA also reiterated its decision that the game will be played with no supporters present.

It said: “Despite our best efforts to accommodate a limited number of spectators, a suitable date was sadly not available within the stadium’s calendar, and both fixtures will be played behind closed doors.”

However, a limited number of spectators will be permitted to attend the 2020-21 FA Vase and FA Trophy finals, which take place on May 22, in line with the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown.

The FA added: that it “would like to once again thank the clubs and supporters in these competitions for their understanding throughout this challenging time.”

Three Northern League clubs retain an interest in this season’s competition, which resumes this Saturday. They are Hebburn Town, Shildon and West Auckland Town.

Now the kick-off time is confirmed, Consett AFC will shortly be launching a virtual ticket and a special Wembley edition of our matchday publication the Steelman for our final. Watch our social media for further details.