Tag: Wembley

30/06/202229/06/2022

Mark Foden signs for Consett after Kyle Hayes announces his departure

Mark Foden, who played against Consett at Wembley, has signed for the club after long-serving goalkeeper Kyle Hayes announced he is leaving.

Kyle, who has been at Belle View for four and a half years, informed the club this week that he is unable to commit to playing in the Northern Premier League for personal reasons.

He made 169 appearances for the club, including the delayed 2020 FA Vase final at Wembley, where Mark Foden was his opposite number in the Hebburn Town goal!

A key member of our Durham Challenge Cup-winning side of 2018, Kyle also made a reputation for himself as a penalty taker as well as saver!

hayes — **Kyle Hayes pictured with his son after Consett won promotion at Histon. Pic: Gary Welford.**

Chairman Frank Bell said: “We are sorry to lose Kyle, who has been our goalkeeper for the last four years, but personal circumstances mean he cannot commit to the extra demands of the Northern Premier League.

“We are very grateful to Kyle for his loyalty, and for some vital saves, especially the one in the 98th minute at Histon in the game which won us promotion. Thank you and good luck to him and his family.”

Mark Foden is 26 and comes from Glasgow. He came up through the youth ranks at Hartlepool United before joining Ross County, and having loan spells at Stirling Albion and Stenhousemuir.

After a season at Gateshead he had a spell out of the game before joining Blyth Spartans in March 2019.

After playing two games on loan at Consett early in the 2019-20 season to cover for Kyle’s absence on holiday he joined Hebburn Town permanently, and became their first-choice keeper.

He played against Consett in the FA Vase final at Wembley, and was promoted to the Northern Premier League with Hebburn at the end of the 2020-21 season.

He missed only one NPL game last season, but was released at the end of his contract in the summer when a new manager came in.

Manager Andy Coyles said: “Mark has lots of experience at higher levels, including spending last season in the NPL with Hebburn. He’s looked good in training, and is looking forward to showing us what he has to offer.”

04/05/202104/05/2021

‘Humbled’ Consett AFC chairman’s praise for ‘great team effort’ for FA Vase final

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell today paid tribute to the dedicated officials and volunteers who helped the club prepare for the FA Vase final at Wembley.

The delayed 2019-20 game against fellow Northern League club Hebburn Town was the biggest game in both clubs’ history.

Consett took the lead twice in the first half with goals from Ali Alshabeeb and Dale Pearson, but Hebburn levelled twice through Amar Purewal and Michael Richardson.

Both sides had chances in the second half, but the winner came from Hebburn substitute Olly Martin, who netted in the 84th minute.

Today, looking back on the historic cup run and the behind-closed-doors final, Frank said he’s disappointed at defeat, but proud the club has helped put Consett on the map.

“Everybody involved with the club – the management, coaching team and all the administrative staff and volunteers – played their part in preparing the way for the lads to go out and do their best. It was a great team effort, and everyone has done a superb job.

Incredibly proud

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors, who stuck by the club during what have been challenging times for many, and our suppliers, who turned things round at often very short notice, producing some quality products.

“I would like to say that as club chairman, I was incredibly proud of what everybody achieved yesterday – not just the players, but everybody associated with the club.

“It was a great game, and the lads showed on the pitch that we have a quality team which we have built over a period of time.

“We not only did the club proud, I think we also did the town proud. We couldn’t have any fans there, and the stadium was eerie without them. But they were with us in spirit, on the video we made which was played on the giant screen as the players warmed up.

“In the run-up to the final we received so many messages of support, and I was truly humbled at the number of people who turned up at Belle View Stadium on Sunday to see us off. Support like that makes a big difference, and we really appreciate it.

Time to push on

“Now we need to build on the platform that going to Wembley has given us. We’ll be looking to make improvements where they are needed during the close season, to help us push on.

“I want to go back to Wembley next season for another FA Vase final, and this time win it with our fans present. And I want to earn promotion by winning the Northern League.”

“

03/05/202104/05/2021

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.

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.

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.

Full match report and more pictures to follow.

29/04/202129/04/2021

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.”

28/04/202130/04/2021

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.”

27/04/202127/04/2021

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.

15/04/202115/04/2021

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.

30/03/202120/04/2021

Consett issue update over efforts to get fans into FA Vase final at Wembley

Consett AFC today issued an update regarding efforts to try to allow fans to attend our FA Vase final at Wembley vs Hebburn Town.

Continue reading →

11/03/202111/03/2021

Consett will face Hebburn Town in the FA Vase final at Wembley on May Bank Holiday Monday

Consett have today been told by The FA that our much-delayed 2020 FA Vase Final v Hebburn Town will take place at Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3.

However, continuing restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus mean the game will be played behind closed doors, as under the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown spectators are not allowed at non-elite football until May 17.

The kick-off time is not yet known, but the eagerly-awaited showdown against our Northern League rivals, and the FA Trophy Final between Harrogate Town and Concord Rangers, which make up Non-League Finals Day, will be screened live on television by BT Sport.

Consett AFC Chairman Frank Bell said: “I’m obviously delighted the club will be able to fulfil its dream of playing at Wembley at last, but I’m absolutely gutted it will be behind closed doors.

“I have been in regular contact with The FA since we won our semi-final in September, closely co-operating and trying every which way we can to get the game played in front of our supporters.

“We have waited as long as we possibly could and explored every possibility with The FA to try to ensure that supporters would be present.

“Unfortunately, there were lots of other factors to be taken into consideration, and this is the one and only opportunity they could give us to play the final at Wembley.

“I feel so sorry for all the fans who are going to miss out on the chance to watch their team play at the home of English football, but we will do our very best to bring the FA Vase home for them.”

A statement issued by the FA said: “Despite our best efforts to accommodate limited spectators, a suitable date was sadly not available, and both the Buildbase FA Vase Final between Consett and Hebburn Town and Buildbase FA Trophy Final featuring Harrogate Town and Concord Rangers will be played behind closed doors.

“We will continue to monitor the national Covid-19 situation alongside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, and would also like to thank the remaining clubs in these competitions and their supporters for being patient and understanding during this challenging time.”

This season’s FA Vase will re-start behind closed doors on Saturday, April 10, with the final to be held at Wembley on Saturday, May 22, with limited spectators present, in line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

09/03/202109/03/2021

Consett could resume their season on April 10 with a cup match at Birtley – if spectators are allowed

Consett could resume their season next month with their much-delayed Durham Challenge Cup tie at Birtley Town – but only if spectators are allowed.

Both clubs have informed Durham FA they wish to continue in this season’s competition, which it aims to finish once non-elite football is allowed to resume as part of the easing of lockdown.

A date has been agreed for the 1st Round game to take place at the Arrowmark Home Improvements Stadium – Saturday, 10 April, with a 3pm kick-off – on condition that supporters can attend.

This depends on permission being granted by the Department for Culture Media & Sport – we’ll keep you updated with any news.

Consett are among the Northern League clubs who have expressed an interest in taking part in an end-of-season cup competition, again on the proviso that supporters are allowed to attend, and that food and drink can be sold.

No format, dates or fixtures have yet been confirmed, though again we’ll bring you updates as soon as they’re available. The league programme is likely to be curtailed, though no final decision has yet been made.

Finally, the FA has been in touch with ourselves and Hebburn Town regarding the delayed 2020 FA Vase Final, which it still hopes to play before the end of the current football season.

Discussions are continuing between the FA, Wembley, BT Sport, competition sponsors and the DCMS over a suitable date for the game to take place with fans in attendance. Watch this space…

CONSETT AFC

01207 588886