Tag: semi-final

FA Vase semi-final refunds: How to get one if you have an unused ticket

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell today issued a personal message to fans who were unable to get into the FA Vase semi-final, and advised how they can claim a refund.

Due to continuing restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the club was only allowed to have 300 paying spectators at the game versus Bitton on Saturday 5 September.

Now, with the FA Vase final postponed until such time as fans can attend in reasonable numbers, but no guarantees as to how many tickets we will be allocated, the club has made the decision to refund money now to those semi-final ticket holders who missed out.

Frank said: “First of all, I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for your patience during these challenging times. The club has, during lockdown and over the last several weeks, worked tirelessly with the Government department DCMS and The FA to increase the numbers that we could allow to attend the FA Vase semi-final.

“The club has also been working to try to secure guaranteed final tickets for those fans who bought semi-final tickets, but were unable to get in. During these negotiations last week the Government issued new guidelines for Covid, meaning the total number of attendees at the FA Vase final would be reduced to 1,000.

“On the original total allowance only 6,000 tickets were being released to fans – 1,500 to each of the four finalists. The reduction of the capacity to 1,000 effectively meant no fans would be allowed in to watch the final on 27 September.

The FA agreed to postpone the FA Vase final until fans can attend at Wembley Stadium.

“As such we requested a delay in the final until such times as the Government and The FA could allow fans in to Wembley. Hebburn agreed with our request, and I can only thank them for their co-operation, which has been excellent throughout these difficult times. I should also like to thank The FA, who have listened sympathetically to ongoing requests to try and do what we can for the fans.

“The FA are still determined to play this competition at Wembley, as is the wish of the sponsors and everyone else involved. The club has done all that it can with regard to try to achieve the best outcome for fans, with the matter escalating as far as the Secretary of State.

“However, the club cannot give any guarantees on future tickets at this time, and as such we can announce the arrangements for fans who secured tickets for the semi-final but were unable to attend.

Consett’s players celebrate beating Bitton to secure a place in the FA Vase final.

“The club will be open from Tuesday 15 September to Friday 25 September, from 10am to 8pm, to refund semi-final ticket holders who require a refund. Refunds can only be received at the club on the return of tickets.

“Many of you have donated your ticket money to the club, and for this and your ongoing incredible support in these challenging times the club is truly grateful. However, these have been challenging times for lots of families in so many ways too, and we should not forget that.

“The club would like to thank you for your incredible patience during this period, and going forward we will do our utmost to secure as many tickets as possible for our fans for when we do go to Wembley. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

FA Vase semi-final programmes – have you got your souvenir of the day Consett made club history?

Programmes from our historic FA Vase semi-final win over Bitton are still available from the club – while stocks last.

We anticipated huge interest in the game, even though the crowd was limited to 300 paying supporters by Covid-19 restrictions.

Now that we’re off to Wembley to face Hebburn Town in the final on Sunday 27 September, the programme is likely to become a collectors’ item.

Anyone who didn’t pick one up at the game, or who couldn’t attend due to the restrictions, can still get one for the cover price of £2, but only a limited number remain, and once they’re gone they’re gone.

Ask at the bar or call the club on 01207 588886 if you want to own a piece of Consett history. Postage charges will apply for copies not being collected in person.

Consett are on their way to Wembley after dramatic extra-time FA Vase semi-final win

Consett are on their way to Wembley after beating Bitton 1-0 in the FA Vase semi-final at Belle View Stadium today.

Calvin Smith got the all-important goal, pictured above courtesy of Paul Hardy, deep into extra time, after a great cutback from the byline by Matty Cornish.

Consett’s opponents in the final will be Northern League rivals Hebburn Town, who went through on penalties after a 2-2 draw with London side Corinthian.

To Bitton’s credit, they made Consett fight all the way for their victory, though the outcome might have been decided earlier if either of two penalty shouts had been successful.

The first, in the second half, saw Dale Pearson felled by the Bitton keeper as he tried to make a rebound.

Then in the first half of extra time, Matty Cornish was flattened from behind in the box, but the referee gave a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Bitton, who defended superbly all game, had their chances too, and Kyle Hayes made a vital save just before the winning goal.

  • Full match report and pictures HERE.

FA Vase semi-final latest: More fans invited to get new tickets for Bitton game

More Consett fans are to be given the chance to get replacement tickets for Saturday’s FA Vase semi-final against Bitton.

Season ticket holders were given priority for new tickets for the tie, which is now being decided by one game instead of over two legs.

Supporters who had tickets numbered 1-230 were then invited to come to Belle View Stadium to exchange them for new tickets for the game, which will have a limited capacity.

Now, fans who have tickets numbered 231-275 will be offered the same chance. They are invited to attend Belle View from 10am-8pm on Friday, 4 September, to receive replacement tickets.

FA Vase update: More semi-final ticket holders invited to collect their replacements for the big game

Consett AFC has today invited more FA Vase semi-final ticket holders to come to Belle View and exchange their old tickets for new ones.

Season ticket holders were given priority for replacement tickets for the reduced-capacity one-off game versus Bitton this Saturday, 5 September.

They have now been allocated, and the club is pleased to be able to ask supporters in possession of tickets numbered 1-230 to come and get replacements.

The clubhouse at Belle View Stadium will be open from 6pm-10pm today and 10am to 10pm tomorrow for the exchange.

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell said: “We want as many supporters as possible to be able to see the game, and are still talking to the secretary of State and The FA. As soon as we have any news we will update everyone.”

Consett will play their one-off FA Vase semi-final versus Bitton at home

Consett will play their winner-takes-all FA Vase semi-final against Bitton at home, we can announce today.

A draw was held yesterday to determine home advantage for the one-off game, which we can now reveal will be played at Belle View Stadium on Saturday 5 September, KO 3pm.

The prize at stake is a place in the final at Wembley Stadium against either Hebburn Town or Corinthian on Sunday 27 September. Hebburn are away in their game, also on Saturday 5 September.

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell said: “We are in discussions with The FA and Bitton about ticket allocation, and will release the information as soon as we have it, which we have been advised will be early next week.

“The club is working hard to resolve the situation with the best interests of supporters in mind, within the current parameters given by the Government and The FA.

“We would like to thank all our supporters for their patience and support in these extremely challenging times.”

Consett’s home FA Vase semi-final v Bitton is an all-ticket game – they’re available from 11am on March 11 – cash sales only

Consett have decided to make the home leg of their FA Vase semi-final v Bitton AFC – the biggest game in the club’s history – an all-ticket match.

The second-leg tie takes place at Belle View Stadium on Saturday, March 28, a week after the first leg down in Gloucestershire.

Tickets are on sale from the club from 11am on Wednesday, March 11. Admission has been kept at our usual matchday rate – £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, and £2 for under-16s.

It is hoped making the game all-ticket will ease queueing on the day, as a record crowd is expected. Tickets are available in person from the ground, to cash sales only.

The attendance of 866 for the FA Vase 5th Round game v Deal Town last month was the biggest for a competitive fixture at Belle View since it opened in 2013.

Consett fans urged to book early to secure a place on the official club trip to Bitton for the FA Vase semi-final first leg

Consett AFC is taking bookings now from fans who wish to travel on the official club trip to Gloucestershire when we take on Bitton AFC in the first leg of the FA Vase semi-final.

The game is on Saturday March 21, and coaches, supplied by our official travel partner Stanley Travel, will leave Belle View at 7.30am, returning straight after the game.

Strictly no alcohol will be allowed on the coaches.

Seats are £34 per person, and can be booked in person at the club or over the phone by calling (01207) 588886.

The game at the WDS Associates Legal Services Stadium kicks off at 3pm, and supporters can pay at the gate, as Bitton have decided not to make it all-ticket. Admission is £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for juniors.