Match Report | West Didsbury & Chorlton | FA Vase

Match Report

Saturday 18th January 2024

Isuzu FA Vase Fourth Round

North Shields 2-1 West Didsbury & Chorlton

‘Robins advance the North Shields way’

With the tension having built up over the weeks, the day had finally arrived, FA Vase was here, the atmosphere building up as kick off approached nearer, the mixed emotions of suspense, nerves and excitement could be felt around the Daren Persson Stadium.

Brian Smith’s side led out by our Under 10’s girls team, the atmosphere erupted with rapture of applause from both sets of supporters in fine voice.

With a spot in the last 16 awaiting the winners, the match official got the game underway.

The visitors made the brighter start to the game, getting the ball down, looking to dictate the pace of play, looking to carve open spaces in the Robins defence. An early penalty shout was waved away by the match official for the visitors.

The visitors continued to press forcing fouls in and around the Robins 18 yard box but the Robins defence was able to stand strong and work in unison to repel the visitors advances.

It took 20 minutes to pass before the Robins were able to make a real advance forward of their own, a mistake at the back from the visitors, intercepted by Waldon, the ball worked to McCamley who saw his cross blocked.

The visitors continued to look the more likely to score, seeing themselves denied by a series of fantastic saves from Hayes before finally putting the ball into the back of the net, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Liam Marrs was on hand to provide a much needed clearance as the visitors prolific marksman Jordan Lazenbury was bearing down on the Robins goal.

A one handed acrobatic save from Hayes followed by another fine save to stop a powerful effort kept the score level.

Right on the stroke of half time, the Robins almost took the lead against the run of play, a neat move which saw McCamley cross into the box, picking out Carr who had risen highest but could only guide his header agonizingly wide of the post.

Half time upon us and the game was in the balance, level at the break but West Didsbury probably should have thought they deserved to be in front at the break, creating the more clear cut chances but unable to find a way through the Robins defence, the Robins sitting tight and looking to hit on the break, which almost worked out.

The second half underway, the Robins with the first chance, the visiting defence able to clear.

GOAL North Shields 0-1 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON – Thomas Murray ‘51

A rocket of an effort from just outside the area, volleyed into the roof of the net, giving Hayes no chance, sending the away support into limbs and volume increased as their flags flew higher.

A first change for the Robins saw Lewis Suddick replace Dan Waldon just before the hour mark.

The visitors almost had a second, a good move resulting in the ball played across the Robins box, but the Robins defence were able to recover and clear their lines.

A double change saw Ryan Carr and James Sloan makeway for Kyle Downey and Euan Anderson with just under half an hour left.

Will McCamley forced a great one handed save out of Oliver Martin in between the sticks as the Robins looked for a foot back in the game.

GOAL NORTH SHIELDS 1-1 West Didsbury & Chorlton – Lee Mason ‘71

Curtis Coppen, given far too much time and space, able to drive forward 40 yards from inside his own half before slipping the ball to Marrs on the overlap, his into the middle inch perfect as it was met by the head of Mason who was able to head home and draw the Robins level.

GOAL NORTH SHIELDS 2-1 West Didsbury & Chorlton – Lewis Suddick ‘73

BOOM! Two goals in two minutes, sending the Robins support into a frenzy, the ball played out wide, Lough played in behind supplying a dangerous cross, Suddick with the run to latch on and head home.

The visitors had a chance to draw back level, Forster on hand to head away and clear the Robins lines.

The Robins under pressure from a barrage from the visitors, were able to capitalize on a mistake, Mason intercepting a loose ball on halfway, before driving towards goal with a clear path in front of him, driving into the penalty area, before firing over the top as the ball bobbled in front of him at the crucial moment.

With the game heading into the final moments of normal time, the fourth official indicated a minimum of 5 minutes of added time to the dismay of the Robins support.

The Robins able to stand strong as the visitors threw everything but the kitchen sink at them in search of a late equalizer, Coppen commanding at the back ensuring that there would be no path through for the visitors.

RED CARD – West Didsbury & Chorlton – Oliver Martin ‘90+

The Robins cleared their lines, Martin coming out to beat Mason to the ball, mistiming his clearance, resulting in taking out Mason at shoulder height, the match official with no hesitation in producing the red card.

Despite being a man down, the visitors had no chance but to try and create one last chance, a good move only for the cross to be overhit and out for a goal kick, bringing an end to the afternoons proceedings and see the Robins progress into the last 16, setting up a home tie with Whitcurch Alport.

A massive shout out to each and every Robins supporter in attendance, providing the support and encouragement helping this small fishing town to enjoy another memorable afternoon in this amazing competition.

Next up for the Robins, Easington Colliery are the visitors to the Daren Persson Stadium this coming Wednesday with a 7.30pm kick off.

North Shields: Hayes, Marrs, Lough, Carr, Coppen, Sloan, McCamley, Forster ©, Waldon, Mason, Lashley.

Subs: Downey, D Anderson, Suddick, E Anderson, Cassidy.

Goal Scorers: 

North Shields: Mason ‘71, Suddick ‘73.

West Didsbury & Chorlton: Murray ‘51

Advance Garage Doors MOTM: Adam Forster

Attendance: 647
Next Up: Easington Colliery (H) – Saturday 22nd December – 7.30pm